Our Reporter, Abuja
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to rise in defense of democracy by registering and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as “the bridge to a new Nigeria.”
In a rallying message shared on his X handle Monday, Obi stressed that the destiny of the nation lies in the hands of its citizens.
“The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card. Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership,” he said.
Obi urged Nigerians to see the PVC as their strongest instrument of change, adding: “Go out, register, collect your PVC, and hold it firmly as your bridge to a new Nigeria.”
Taking a swipe at vote buyers, Obi warned that those who trade money for votes are not offering any goodwill but only “investing in their own corruption.”
“Those who buy votes are not offering you charity; they only invest in their own corruption. They buy votes so that they can buy their way into our treasury to steal public money. Such people are not leaders, they are criminals in disguise. They are no better than killers, armed robbers, and kidnappers, because they commit the same crime of destruction,” he declared.
Obi also had strong words for citizens selling their votes, stressing the long-term consequences of such decisions.
“To those who sell their votes, you are not just selling an election, you are selling the very opportunities that would have lifted you and your family out of poverty. You are selling the schools that your children should have attended, the hospitals that should save your loved ones, and the jobs that would have given you dignity and a better life,” he cautioned.
The former Anambra State governor reminded Nigerians that the desperation of politicians to buy votes was proof that every ballot truly counts.
“Your vote counts. If it doesn’t, they would not be desperately buying that vote. The looters will only loot when we give them the opportunity,” Obi said.
He also urged Nigerians to “get organised and make election rigging difficult.”
He called on voters to reject intimidation and deception and instead choose leaders with the right values.
“Our democracy is at stake. That is why I urge every eligible Nigerian to register, collect, and safeguard your PVC, and when the time comes, use it wisely. Vote for leaders of competence, character, capacity, and compassion. Leaders who will put you first. Do not be intimidated, do not be deceived, and do not be bought,” Obi charged.
He called on Nigerians to come together and prove that the nation belongs to the people, not to selfish politicians.
“Let us stand together and prove that Nigeria belongs to the people, not to those who trade our future for their selfish gain. Register to vote, because a new Nigeria starts with you.”
