Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticised the House of Representatives for rejecting a proposal to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries. He described the decision as a serious setback for Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement shared on his official X handle on Sunday, Obi said many Nigerians had expected lawmakers to take a firm stand against vote-buying. Instead, he said the House chose to protect a system that has long weakened credible elections. According to him, the decision undermines public trust and damages the country’s democratic values.
Obi warned that democracy cannot thrive when corruption is tolerated at its foundation.
Obi Says Reform Must Start at Primaries
Reacting to the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022, Obi stressed that any serious effort to curb vote-buying must begin at party primaries. He argued that primaries shape the quality of leadership that eventually emerges.
“Credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations,” Obi said. He added that national development remains impossible while inducement and bribery gain legitimacy in politics.
According to him, reforms introduced later in the electoral process often fail because lawmakers refuse to confront the problem at its roots.
Lawmakers Reject Proposed Jail Term
Last Thursday, the House of Representatives voted against a clause seeking to criminalise the inducement of delegates during party primaries. The proposal recommended a two-year prison sentence without an option of a fine for offenders.
Clause 89(4) of the amendment report defined financial or material inducement of delegates as an offence. However, lawmakers rejected the clause through a voice vote when it came up for consideration. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu presided over the session.
‘Vote-Buying Is Spreading Beyond Politics’
Obi warned that the culture of vote-buying has spread beyond national elections. He said it now affects town unions, student bodies, clubs, and community associations. According to him, these groups now copy the bad habits of political leaders.
He described a system driven by purchased votes as a criminal marketplace rather than a democracy. Obi urged Nigerians to demand reform and insist on integrity from the start of the electoral process.
“Nigeria deserves better,” he said, adding that the nation’s future must never be for sale
