Anambra Guber Poll: Peter Obi, George Moghalu Decry Vote-Buying

Anambra Guber Poll: Peter Obi, George Moghalu Decry Vote-Buying

Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Peter Obi, and the party’s governorship candidate in the ongoing 2025 Anambra State election, George Moghalu, have cast their votes while raising alarm over widespread vote-buying across the state.

Both leaders described the trend as deeply troubling and detrimental to the credibility of the electoral process.

Moghalu, who voted at Polling Unit 017, Uruagu Ward 1 in Nnewi North Local Government Area, told journalists that vote-buying was rampant in several communities, with amounts ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000 reportedly offered to voters. “Poverty has been weaponised for massive vote buying,” he said. “If you monetise your process and weaponise poverty, what is free about the election?”

Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, cast his ballot at Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008, where he was warmly received by supporters. He echoed Moghalu’s concerns, warning that electoral malpractice—particularly vote-buying—threatens the integrity of the democratic process.

Both candidates urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to uphold the principles of a free, fair, and credible election, and to protect vulnerable voters from manipulation and intimidation.

The Obidient Movement also voiced concern over the monetisation of the election. Speaking to journalists, National Coordinator Dr. Yunusa Tanko said the group had deployed monitors across 176,000 polling units nationwide to track and report irregularities in real time.

“Our agents and coordinators are already on ground,” Tanko said. “But painfully, the process is heavily monetised. That has affected this election—both from the candidates and the electorate. That’s exactly where the problem lies.”

He emphasized that vote-buying has become a recurring issue in Nigerian elections, with poverty exploited as a tool to sway voter decisions. “People are offering money even publicly,” he lamented. “We’ve weaponised poverty in Nigeria as a measure for getting votes. People are hungry—there’s no doubt about it.”

Tanko dismissed suggestions that the Labour Party was involved in vote-buying, stating the party neither had the resources nor the intention to engage in such practices. “We don’t even have the money to do that,” he said. “We want credible, free, and fair elections. Manipulating voters with money is not part of our values.”

On Peter Obi’s role in the election, Tanko clarified that while the former presidential candidate supports George Moghalu, he respects the will of the people. “It is Anambarians who will decide who becomes their governor. Mr. Obi will abide by whatever choice they make,” he affirmed.

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