Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised the House of Representatives for rejecting a proposal to criminalise vote-buying at the level of party primaries, describing the decision as a serious setback to Nigeria’s democratic development.
Obi made his position known in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, reacting to the ongoing amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022, currently being considered by the House of Representatives.
He said many Nigerians had expected lawmakers to take a firm stance against vote-buying, which he identified as one of the major obstacles to credible elections in the country.
“Just yesterday, Nigerians hoped that the House of Representatives would finally take a decisive stand against the cancer of vote-buying,” Obi wrote.
According to him, the refusal to criminalise inducement at party primaries showed a reluctance by lawmakers to address the root of electoral malpractice.
“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,” he noted.
The former Anambra State Governor argued that any attempt to curb vote-buying would be ineffective if the practice was not tackled from the earliest stage of the electoral process.
“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.
Obi further warned that democracy loses its essence when votes are exchanged for money, describing such a system as a “criminal marketplace” rather than a true democracy.
“A democracy where votes are bought is not a true democracy. Nigeria deserves better. We must prioritise reform,” he added.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the spread of vote-buying culture beyond politics, noting that it had found its way into town unions, village associations, clubs and even student elections.
Obi concluded by calling for bold and comprehensive reforms, insisting that Nigeria’s democratic future must not be compromised.
“The future of our democracy must not be for sale. A new Nigeria is possible, but only if we confront these practices boldly and insist that integrity begins at the very start of our electoral process,” he said.
The House of Representatives had, on Thursday, approved stiffer penalties for several electoral offences while considering amendments to the Electoral Act, 2022.
Lawmakers increased the fine for forging nomination papers or election result sheets from ₦50m to ₦75m, with an alternative 10-year jail term, and approved a ₦5m fine for the improper use of a voter’s card.
However, the House rejected a proposal seeking a two-year jail term for individuals who financially or materially induce delegates to influence the outcome of party primaries, congresses or conventions.
Lawmakers cited concerns that such a provision could be abused to harass political opponents.
The House also removed a clause mandating the outright cancellation of election results in polling units where over-voting occurs, replacing it with a framework that allows excess votes to be deducted proportionately from candidates’ scores, while the presiding officer faces prosecution.
