Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the House of Representatives for rejecting proposals to criminalize vote buying during political party primaries, describing the decision as a protection of a "broken system" that undermines Nigeria's democracy.
In a statement posted on his social media handles on Saturday, Obi expressed disappointment that the lower chamber extinguished public hopes for decisive action against the "cancer of vote-buying," which he said has long eroded the credibility of elections in the country."
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," Obi stated, emphasizing that credible elections cannot emerge from corrupt foundations.
The outspoken politician insisted that any meaningful effort to eradicate vote buying must target its roots in party primaries, warning that superficial measures at later stages would prove ineffective.
He likened a democracy plagued by vote buying to a "criminal marketplace," declaring that "Nigeria deserves better."
Obi further highlighted the alarming spread of the practice, noting that it has now permeated town unions, village associations, clubs, and even student union elections, with younger generations emulating corrupt politicians.
Calling for bold reforms, Obi reiterated his vision for a New Nigeria, stating that true progress is possible only if the nation confronts these malpractices head-on and ensures integrity begins at the earliest stage of the electoral process.
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