Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has sharply criticised Nigeria’s lawmakers for rejecting proposals to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries, describing the decision as a “major setback” for the nation’s democracy.
Obi, who has consistently campaigned for electoral reforms, warned that democracy cannot thrive when elections are influenced by financial inducements rather than merit. He likened vote-buying to a “cancer” that erodes governance and development, stressing that reforms must begin at the grassroots level of party primaries.
“You cannot build credible elections on corrupt foundations. If we fail to criminalise vote-buying at the primaries, then we are simply legitimising corruption in our democracy,” Obi said.
The House of Representatives recently debated amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, but declined to include provisions that would make vote-buying at primaries a criminal offence. The move has drawn criticism from civil society groups and reform advocates who argue that the refusal undermines efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
Why It Matters
- Democratic Integrity: Vote-buying compromises the credibility of elections and weakens public trust in institutions.
- National Development: Obi warned that no nation can achieve sustainable progress if leadership is determined by bribery rather than competence.
- Public Confidence: Nigerians had hoped lawmakers would take a decisive stand against electoral malpractice, but Obi said that hope was “quickly extinguished.”
Wider Implications
Analysts note that the refusal to criminalise vote-buying at primaries could entrench corruption within political parties, making it harder to achieve free and fair elections. Critics argue that without strong legal deterrents, money politics will continue to dominate Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Obi’s remarks have reignited debate on the future of electoral reforms in Nigeria, with calls for renewed pressure on lawmakers to revisit the issue.
References
- Daily Post Nigeria – Vote buying is cancerous, must be stopped at roots – Peter Obi
- The Guardian Nigeria – No democracy in a vote-buying system – Obi
- Punch Newspapers – Obi faults Reps for failing to criminalise vote-buying law
- Nigeria Today Politics – Obi slams Reps for rejecting vote-buying criminalisation
