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By Seyi Babalola
Mr Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, and George Moghalu, the party’s governorship candidate in the present Anambra State election, have both voted, although both have raised concerns about rampant vote buying in the state.
As Anambra residents went to the polls to elect a new governor, Obi and Moghalu used the opportunity to highlight what they described as a troubling trend undermining the credibility of the election.
After voting, Moghalu, who cast his ballot at Polling Unit 017, Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi North LGA, told journalists that the buying and selling of citizens’ votes was rampant in various communities, with sums ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦15,000.
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“Poverty was weaponised for massive vote buying. If you monetise your process and weaponise poverty, what is free about the election?” Moghalu said, stressing that the practice compromises the democratic process.
Meanwhile, Obi, a former Anambra State governor, voted in Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008, where fans and residents had gathered in expectation. He also expressed alarm about electoral misconduct, citing Moghalu’s caution against vote buying.
Both candidates urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security services to hold a free, fair, and credible election, devoid of intimidation and manipulation of vulnerable voters.
