Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, criticised vote-buying and unethical electoral behaviour in Nigeria on Sunday.
The former governor of Anambra was reacting to allegations of vote-buying and other irregularities in Ekiti State’s governorship election on Saturday.
Some party agents were arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged vote-buying during the election.
Peter Obi blamed various issues in Nigeria on the impunity of its leaders and followers in an interview on the Voice of the People platform, a citizen-based programme.
“It is sad that our elections are riddled with mounting malpractices. We have got to this stage due to the nature of the government we operate. One major factor is poverty, but that should never be an excuse. Those who find it easy to sell away their precious right are committing suicide,” Peter Obi lamented.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari is of the opinion that the victory of Biodun Oyebanji at the just concluded governorship race in Ekiti State, is a signal that Nigerians accept the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Oyebanji was declared winner of the election within the early hours of Sunday; having polled a total of 187,057 votes to defeat his two closest challengers.
They include Segun Oni of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Bisi Kolawole of the People’s Democratic Party.
Reacting to the win, President Buhari congratulated the governor-elect via a statement on Sunday, June 19.
He noted that the victory is well deserved considering Oyebanji’s contributions to the development of the state; as well as the party before his nomination as the standard bearer.
Buhari further urged him, however, to be magnanimous in victory in the interest of the people of Ekiti.
Also Read: INEC announces Oyebanji, APC candidate, winner of Ekiti governorship election
The president also rejoiced with the APC chairman, Abdulahi Adamu, and the National Working Committee for the victory; which is the first under the tenure of the newly elected executives of the party.
“This is a good beginning for you and your team. The APC is getting stronger and more united. The victory of our party in Ekiti is an indication of the confidence of Nigerians in the ability of our great party to deliver quality governance to all,” said the President.
