Peter Obi Slams House of Representatives Over Rejection of Vote-Buying Criminalisation at Party Primaries
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the House of Representatives following its decision to reject a proposal seeking to criminalise vote-buying during party primaries, describing the move as a setback to Nigeria’s democratic reform efforts.
According to reports monitored by Akahi News, the controversial decision was taken on Thursday during the clause-by-clause consideration of a report aimed at amending the Electoral Act 2022. Lawmakers voted against provisions that would have outlawed the inducement of voters at the primary election stage — a development that has since triggered widespread reactions across political and civil society circles.
Obi Describes Vote-Buying as a “Cancer” in Nigeria’s Democracy
Reacting to the development in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday, Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment, noting that many Nigerians had expected the lower legislative chamber to take a decisive stand against vote-buying, which he described as a long-standing “cancer” eating away at the credibility of elections in the country.
Akahi News gathered that Obi argued that the House’s refusal to criminalise inducement at the party primary level undermines genuine efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s electoral process.
“By refusing to criminalise 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,” Obi stated.
He further stressed that no meaningful democratic progress can be achieved if corruption is allowed to flourish at the very roots of the political process.
Concerns Over Electoral Integrity and Democratic Foundations
Obi maintained that credible elections cannot be built on corrupt foundations, warning that legitimising inducement and bribery within party structures weakens democracy and national development.
According to him, any serious attempt to eliminate vote-buying must begin from party primaries, where candidates emerge and political cultures are shaped.
“Any effort to stop vote buying must begin at the primaries. Without addressing the problem at its roots, any measures taken later will lack the strength to endure,” he said.
Akahi News learnt that the former Anambra State governor also described a system where votes are purchased as a criminal marketplace rather than a true democracy, insisting that Nigeria deserves better.
Ripple Effects Beyond Mainstream Politics
Beyond national elections, Obi warned that the culture of voter inducement has gradually filtered into other layers of society, including town and village unions, clubs and associations, as well as student union elections.
According to him, these groups now emulate the practices of fraudulent politicians, further deepening moral decay within society.
“How long will we allow our society to be corrupted when the solution lies in addressing the roots of the problem?” he queried.
Observers who spoke with Akahi News noted that Obi’s comments highlight growing concerns about how electoral malpractice is shaping leadership culture beyond formal politics.
Implications for Electoral Reform in Nigeria
The House of Representatives’ decision has reignited debates around Nigeria’s commitment to electoral reform, particularly at a time when public trust in democratic institutions remains fragile.
Political analysts believe that refusing to criminalise vote-buying at party primaries could weaken future reforms, as primaries often set the tone for general elections. Some observers argue that addressing inducement only during general elections, while ignoring party processes, leaves a critical loophole in the system.
Akahi News gathered that civil society groups are expected to intensify advocacy efforts, urging lawmakers to revisit the proposal in the interest of transparency, accountability, and democratic integrity.
Conclusion: A Call for Deeper Democratic Reforms
Peter Obi’s reaction underscores a broader national conversation about the future of Nigeria’s democracy and the need for reforms that go beyond surface-level solutions. As debates continue, the question remains whether lawmakers will heed growing public calls to confront vote-buying at its roots or continue with a system many Nigerians believe is deeply flawed.
As Nigeria navigates its democratic journey, developments such as this will continue to shape public perception and trust in the electoral process. Akahi News will keep monitoring the situation and providing credible, balanced updates as events unfold.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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