Obidient Movement decries vote-buying in by-elections, warns of looming national collapse

Obidient Movement has condemned the widespread vote-buying witnessed during yesterday’s by-elections, describing the process as a “cash-and-carry democracy” that undermines Nigeria’s future.

 

In a statement signed by Dr. Yanusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Movement, the group lamented that Nigeria’s democratic process had once again been reduced to “an open market where stolen public wealth is freely deployed to buy silence and compromise the will of the people.”

 

According to Dr. Tanko, the practice of exchanging votes for money continues to weaken accountability and entrench corrupt leaders in power. He warned that until Nigerians collectively reject the culture of vote trading, “those who plunder our commonwealth will continue to rule us without fear of reprimand.”

 

Citing the words of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, Dr. Tanko reiterated that politicians who buy votes are no different from armed robbers, kidnappers, and killers, because they only seek office to steal from the public treasury.

 

“Those who sell their votes are selling the schools their children should have attended, the hospitals that should treat their families, and the roads that should serve their communities. The buyers are only investing to make profit from the seat,” the statement read.

 

The Movement further stressed that the consequences of vote-selling extend beyond the present, warning that the future of Nigerian youths is being mortgaged.

 

“We are mortgaging the future of children already living with no jobs and hunger in the land. If we keep trading our votes for peanuts, we will soon have no country to call our own,” Dr. Tanko declared.

 

The OBIdient Movement, which has grown into a global network of Nigerians advocating for transparency, justice, and good governance, called on citizens to rise above monetary inducements and demand accountability from leaders.

 

“Our democracy cannot survive on the auction block. It must be defended with integrity, sacrifice, and vision,” the statement concluded.