AnambraDecides2025: Peter Obi decries rampant vote buying, says votes sold for N20,000–N30,000

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By Sunny A. David, Awka

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of vote buying during the ongoing Anambra State governorship election.

Speaking to journalists shortly after casting his vote at polling unit 019, Umudim-Akasi-Agulu, in Anaocha Local Government Area, Obi urged the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to prioritize tackling the menace of vote buying across the country.

He lamented that the problem has continued to worsen, undermining the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“I am not pleased with the high level of vote buying in this year’s Anambra governorship election,” Obi said.

“Votes are being bought for between ₦15,000 and ₦30,000. This trend is destroying the future of our youths and worsening unemployment in the country.”

The former Governor of Anambra State appealed to Nigerians, especially young people, not to mortgage their future for short-term financial gains through vote selling.

Obi emphasized that a nation cannot progress when electoral choices are influenced by money rather than conscience and competence.