Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, has cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election in the state.
Obi voted at polling unit 019, Umudim Akasi, Agulu Ward 2, in Anaocha Local Government Area, at exactly 11:46 a.m.
Speaking with journalists shortly after voting, the former governor expressed deep concern over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, lamenting the persistence of vote buying across polling centres.
“Our democracy is deteriorating, and unfortunately, those who are benefiting from bad governance seem to be fuelling it,” Obi said.
He described the practice of voters selling their ballots as destructive to the nation’s future.
“Someone who is not employed collects ₦30,000 for his vote — that means you have sold your school, your hospital, your job opportunities, and your future. That is what is very worrisome about our democracy,” he added.
The LP chieftain compared Nigeria’s electoral process with that of neighbouring countries, noting that similar acts of vote trading were rare elsewhere.
“Other countries, even West African nations close to us where I have observed elections, I haven’t seen something like this happening. This must stop,” Obi stated.
Although not on the ballot, Obi reaffirmed his loyalty to the Labour Party and declared support for the party’s candidate, Dr George Moghalu.
“I’m not on the ballot, but I’m a member of the Labour Party and I support my candidate, Dr George Moghalu. All the people contesting are my friends, and I wish them well,” he said.
Observers noted a large voter turnout at Obi’s polling unit earlier in the day, as residents of Agulu trooped out to exercise their civic rights.