By-Elections: ‘Nigeria’s Democracy at Stake, Get Organised, Make Election Rigging Difficult’ – Obi Urges Nigerians
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has lamented that Nigeria’s democracy is at stake, urging Nigerians to get organised, register, and collect their PVCs to make election rigging difficult for politicians who indulge in it.
Obi stated this following the by-elections held in some states over the weekend and ahead of upcoming elections, including the 2027 polls.
In a statement on Monday, he appealed to Nigerians — young and old alike, to heed his call to action.
“The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card. Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership.
“I appeal to every Nigerian: Get Organised and Make Election Rigging Difficult. Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria. Let us know this: those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money.
“When they get into that office, they will loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals or provide good jobs. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction,” the politician said.
Obi advised those selling their votes that they are not just selling an election but also the very opportunities that would have lifted them and their families out of poverty.
“You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life. Those who buy your vote are only buying it to make a profit from the seat of power, not to serve you.”
The former Anambra State governor explained that the power to change the country is in the hands of Nigerians, emphasising that looters will only loot when they are given the opportunity.
He affirmed that votes count, noting that if they did not, politicians would not be desperately buying votes.
“Every Nigerian must rise and take responsibility for building the nation we dream of. Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC, and when the time comes, use it wisely.
“Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Leaders who will put you first. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought,” Obi further stated.
He added: “Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain. Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you.”
