Former Governor of Anambra State and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the widespread vote buying that marred Saturday’s governorship election in the state, describing it as “a tragedy against democracy.”
Obi, who voted at Polling Unit 019, Umudim Akasi Agulu 2, Ward 8, in Anaocha Local Government Area, joined other residents to perform his civic duty before addressing reporters about what he witnessed across the state.
“Unfortunately, those who are the victims of bad governance seem to be the ones fuelling it,” he said. “I have moved around, listened, and observed what’s happening. What you see predominantly is vote buying — on a scale of ₦30,000, ₦20,000, ₦15,000. The question I ask is this: a young person who is unemployed, if he sells his vote for ₦30,000, what will he be paid next month when there’s no election?”
He warned that the trend poses a dangerous threat to governance and accountability, noting that Nigerians were “selling away their future.”
“By selling your vote, you’re selling away your schools, your hospitals, your jobs. You’re selling away your future,” he added. “That is what is very worrisome. In other countries, even in West African nations close to us, where I’ve observed elections, I didn’t see such practices. Journalists must also play their part — this must be stopped.”
When asked about the Labour Party’s governorship candidate, Chief George Moghalu, Obi maintained a neutral tone, explaining that his focus now extends beyond state politics.
“For me, yes, I am a member of the Labour Party and I support our candidate. But quite frankly, everyone involved in this election are my brothers and sisters. I’m not on the ballot; I’ve been a governor 13 years ago. I’m now strictly in the ‘Champions League’ of Nigerian politics, contesting to be President of Nigeria,” he said.
He urged whoever emerges winner to prioritise service to the people, invest in education and healthcare, and commit to lifting citizens out of poverty.
“For those contesting today, I wish them well. Whoever wins should serve the people. Nigeria needs service now. We must pull our people out of poverty. It’s no longer about grandstanding. We must build hospitals and support nursing schools to produce manpower for every village to have a primary healthcare centre,” Obi stated.
Across Anambra, reports of vote buying and voter intimidation surfaced as several political parties traded accusations. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, John Nwosu, alleged massive vote buying by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), while the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Nicholas Ukachukwu, claimed his party’s agents faced harassment.
Observers from the Situation Room also confirmed incidents of financial inducement in some polling units, prompting monitoring by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Despite minor BVAS hitches, the election remained largely peaceful.
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), over 2.8 million registered voters were expected to participate across 5,718 polling units in the 21 local government areas of the state. Sixteen candidates contested the election, including incumbent Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
Traffic congestion was reported around the Niger Bridge as security agencies restricted movement to ensure safe passage of election materials and personnel.
