Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, says vote-buying is undermining the credibility of the ongoing Anambra governorship election.
He spoke on Saturday with journalists at Uruagu community in Nnewi north LGA of the state.
Tanko said the group has deployed its structures across the 176,000 polling units to monitor the election in real time and provide reports.
He also expressed concern about voter apathy and underscored the need to ensure citizens turn out to cast their ballots.
“Our agents and coordinators are already on the ground in all 21 local governments,” he said.
“But painfully enough, the process, one way or another, is heavily monetised. That has affected the election both on the part of the candidates and the electorate itself.
“Most importantly, we must find a way of imposing definitive measures against those who give money and those who take it. Because if you don’t give, nobody will take.”
Tanko explained that removing the influence of money will leave voters with the choice of selecting credible candidates.
“At the moment, people are offering money even publicly. You see it on television and social media. People are offering money for this and that,” he said.
He lamented that poverty has been weaponised to secure votes.
“People are hungry. There is no doubt about it. We in the Obidient Movement are going to report this for everybody to know,” Tanko said.
He said the movement’s efforts aim to make citizens aware that money is playing a decisive role in the election.
“It’s a learning curve for Nigerians to understand that the Obidient Movement’s structures are on the ground, and that money is heavily influencing the election,” he said.
Tanko also dismissed claims that the Labour Party (LP) is participating in vote-buying.
“No, of course not. That is why we are raising this alarm. We are not involved because we don’t have the money to do that,” he said.
He said refraining from manipulating voters with money upholds the movement’s credibility and commitment to free and fair elections.
“Obviously, we will not engage in vote-buying or try to manipulate people using money. We simply do not have the resources,” he said.
Tanko also defended Peter Obi’s integrity.
“What I know is that Mr Peter Obi will never engage in vote-buying,” he said.
Asked who Obi is supporting, Tanko said he had publicly endorsed LP candidate George Moghalu.
“But the decision is ultimately for the Anambarians. They will decide who becomes their governor,” Tanko added.
