Presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in 2023 elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has admonished the electorate to stop selling their votes, describing it as one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
The former governor of Anambra State in a post on his X handle yesterday, said vote-buying is one of the greatest dangers confronting the nation’s democracy. “It is never an act of kindness; it is a calculated investment in corruption.
“Those who buy votes do so with only one intention, to gain access to public funds.
“By bribing voters today, they are purchasing a licence to plunder tomorrow and when they get into office, the money meant for schools, hospitals, roads and jobs is diverted into private pockets.
“Such people are not leaders, they are looters. Their actions rob our society of dignity, development, and even life itself.
“But those who sell their votes are not innocent either. When you exchange your ballot for money or material gain, you are not just selling a vote, you are selling your future.
“You are selling away the schools your children should attend, the hospitals that should save lives, and the jobs that should lift families out of poverty.
“In truth, you mortgage your tomorrow for a token that cannot sustain you today. The reality is simple: looters can only loot when we hand them the key. If your vote had no value, nobody would be desperate to buy it.
“The fact that millions are spent on vote-buying shows that your ballot is priceless. The real power does not lie in their money. It lies in your conscience, your courage and your vote.”
Obi asked Nigerians to recognise that there is power in political participation.
He implored citizens to rise above temporary incentives, reject bribery and elect leaders who are committed to service rather than plundering.
Meanwhile, he commended security agencies for their recent successes in the fight against terrorism, kidnappings and banditry.
He described the feat as a step in the right direction towards restoring peace across the country. He lauded the courage and professionalism of the armed forces and other security operatives, noting that their sacrifices under difficult conditions demonstrate that Nigeria can, and must be safe for all its citizens.
While urging that the security personnel be better equipped, trained and motivated to consolidate on the recent gains, he cautioned against complacency, stressing that justice must be served against those arrested for violent crimes.
“Terrorism and violent criminality thrive when justice is not served, when those arrested are recycled back into society without accountability.
Justice must take its full course so that impunity is not encouraged,” he said.
Obi further emphasised that security is the foundation of meaningful national development.
“A secure Nigeria is possible, and together we must support our security agencies with the right leadership, resources and political will to end the reign of terror in our land,” he added.
Credit: The Sun