2027 Elections: Peter Obi Blasts Reps Over Failure to Criminalise Vote-Buying

The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the House of Representatives for declining to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries, describing the move as a major setback to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the former governor of Anambra State said many Nigerians had expected lawmakers to take a strong and decisive position against what he called the “cancer of vote-buying,” which continues to erode the nation’s democratic process.

Obi argued that the House’s decision not to outlaw vote-buying at party primaries amounts to shielding a dysfunctional political system instead of protecting Nigeria’s democratic future.

“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.

He stressed that credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations, noting that any serious attempt to end vote-buying must start from party primaries, where candidates first emerge.

“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,” Obi said.

The former governor warned that a democracy sustained by inducement and bribery cannot drive national development, adding that a system where votes are traded is more like a “criminal marketplace” than a true democracy.

Obi also lamented that vote-buying has extended beyond mainstream politics, observing that the practice is now visible in town unions, village associations, clubs, and even student elections.

“Disturbingly, the culture of vote-buying has now trickled down even to town unions, village unions, clubs and associations, as well as student elections, emulating fraudulent politicians,” he said.

He called on lawmakers and other political stakeholders to prioritise comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of 2027, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic future must be protected.

“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,” Obi added.

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