Obi Blasts Reps Over Failure to Criminalize Vote-Buying in Party Primaries

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticized the House of Representatives for failing to criminalize vote-buying at party primaries, calling it a “setback for Nigeria’s democracy”.

Obi argues that allowing vote-buying to persist undermines internal democracy and weakens the credibility of elections. “By refusing to criminalize 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 stated.

Obi emphasized that credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations and national progress cannot be achieved while inducement and bribery are legitimized in the democratic process.

He expressed concern that the culture of vote-buying has trickled down to town unions, village associations, clubs, and even student elections, with these groups emulating fraudulent politicians.

The House of Representatives had rejected a proposal to criminalize the inducement of voters during party primaries, citing concerns that such provisions could be abused to harass political opponents.

Obi’s criticism adds to growing pressure on Nigerian lawmakers to demonstrate commitment to electoral integrity.