Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that vote buying is proof that every ballot carries real power, adding that if votes didn’t count, politicians wouldn’t be buying them.
Obi, in a post made on his X page, described the voter’s card as “the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor against injustice and bad leadership.”
He warned against vote trading, insisting that politicians who buy votes only do so to enrich themselves through corruption once in office.
“Your vote counts, if it doesn’t, they would not be desperately buying that vote,” Obi said.
ALSO READ: Tinubu travelling around like tourist amid Nigeria’s worsening situation — Peter Obi
He added, “those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption.
They buy votes so they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. When they get into office, they loot the funds that should have been used to build schools, hospitals, or provide jobs. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise.”
Obi further cautioned Nigerians against selling their votes, saying it amounts to selling opportunities for a better future.
“To those who sell their votes, you are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty. You are selling the schools your children should attend, the hospitals that should save your loved ones, and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life,” he said.
He stressed that democracy and Nigeria’s future can only be safeguarded if citizens stand firm, resist inducements, and elect leaders with competence, character, capacity, and compassion.
“Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought. Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain,” Obi charged.
Peter Obi also called on eligible voters to organise and make election rigging difficult.
“Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you. A New Nigeria is POssible,” he concluded.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV
- Let’s Talk About SELF-AWARENESS
- Is Your Confidence Mistaken for Pride? Let’s talk about it
- Is Etiquette About Perfection…Or Just Not Being Rude?
- Top Psychologist Reveal 3 Signs You’re Struggling With Imposter Syndrome
- Do You Pick Up Work-Related Calls at Midnight or Never? Let’s Talk About Boundaries
and then