The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has raised concern over widespread vote-buying in the ongoing Anambra governorship election, describing it as a serious threat to the credibility of the process.
Speaking with journalists on Saturday at Uruagu community in Nnewi North Local Government Area, Tanko said the group had deployed its monitoring structures across all 176,000 polling units to observe the election in real time and provide reports.
He also expressed worry over voter apathy, urging citizens to come out and exercise their franchise.
“Our agents and coordinators are already on the ground in all 21 local governments,” he said. “But unfortunately, the process has been heavily monetised, affecting both candidates and the electorate. We must find a way to sanction both those who give and those who receive money, because if no one gives, no one will take.”
Tanko lamented that poverty has been weaponised to influence voters, noting that the circulation of money during elections has become rampant and even visible on television and social media.
“People are hungry, and that’s a fact. We in the Obidient Movement will continue to expose this practice to the public,” he said.
He explained that eliminating the influence of money would enable voters to make choices based on credibility rather than financial inducement.
Tanko dismissed claims that the Labour Party (LP) was involved in vote-buying, stressing that the party lacked the financial resources for such acts.
“We are not part of vote-buying. That’s why we’re raising this alarm. We simply don’t have the money for it,” he said.
According to him, avoiding voter manipulation through money reinforces the Obidient Movement’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.
Tanko also defended the integrity of LP’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, saying,
“Mr. Peter Obi will never engage in vote-buying.”
When asked who Obi was supporting in the Anambra election, Tanko said Obi had publicly endorsed LP’s candidate, George Moghalu, but insisted that the final decision rests with the people.
“Ultimately, it’s up to the people of Anambra to decide who becomes their governor. Whatever choice they make, Mr. Obi will respect it,” he added.
