Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the House of Representatives for refusing to criminalise vote‑buying at the level of party primaries, describing the decision as a setback for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Obi said many Nigerians had expected lawmakers to take a firm stand against what he called the “cancer of vote‑buying,” which continues to undermine the country’s democratic process.
“By refusing to criminalise vote‑buying at the foundational stage of party primaries, the House has chosen to protect a broken system rather than safeguard the nation’s future,” he wrote.
Obi stressed that credible elections cannot emerge from corrupt foundations, insisting that any genuine effort to end vote‑buying must begin at the primaries, where candidates are first selected.
“Any effort to stop vote‑buying must begin at the primaries. Without addressing the problem at its roots, any measures taken later will lack the strength to endure,” he said.
He warned that a democracy driven by inducement and bribery cannot deliver national progress, likening the practice to a “criminal marketplace” rather than true democracy.
Obi further expressed concern that the culture of vote‑buying has spread beyond formal politics, now evident in town unions, village associations, clubs, and even student elections.
Calling for urgent electoral reforms, Obi urged lawmakers and political stakeholders to confront the practice boldly.
“A New Nigeria is possible, but only if we confront these practices boldly and insist that integrity begins at the very start of our electoral process,” he added.
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