Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election, has said he and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not give money to party agents to influence voters during the elections.
Obi made the statement during a town hall meeting in Sokoto, where he appeared alongside Kwankwaso.
The former Anambra State governor described the practice of giving voters money during elections as vote-buying, arguing that it contributes to the country’s continued economic difficulties.
“We are not ready to give money to party agents to entice voters. That is vote-buying, and it is part of the reason why poverty continues to rise in the country,” Obi said.
He also assured residents that adequate security arrangements would be put in place during the election to protect voters and ensure that votes are properly counted and recorded.
Obi further said an administration led by him and Kwankwaso would focus on tackling corruption, particularly alleged corruption surrounding the fuel subsidy system.
According to him, the government would address corruption in the subsidy system before considering another form of subsidy to reduce the impact of fuel costs on Nigerians.
“We will eradicate corruption, especially the one related to fuel subsidy, before we find a way to return subsidy in another dimension,” he said.
Earlier, Nasiru Tambuwal, coordinator of the Obi/Kwankwaso movement in Sokoto, criticised the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tambuwal said Nigeria had generally seen presidential tickets combining Muslim and Christian candidates since the return to democratic rule in 1999, until the APC adopted a Muslim-Muslim ticket.
He said the movement was committed to promoting inclusive governance and addressing the challenges facing Nigerians.
Kwankwaso, who also spoke at the town hall, assured residents that a government led by him and Obi would prioritise good governance and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“The Obi/Kwankwaso government is ready to work for the masses of this country,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Kano State governor urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at producing a government focused on improving the living conditions of citizens.
