Anambra Election: Peter Obi Urges INEC To Ensure Credible Poll, Warns Against Vote-Buying
BY GLORY UGOBA
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election in the state this Saturday.
Obi made the appeal on Wednesday while speaking with journalists after visiting the College of Nursing, Adazi Nnukwu, in Anaocha Local Government Area and the University on the Niger Teaching Hospital, Iyienu, Ogidi, in Idemili North LGA.
Calls for Electoral Integrity
The former governor cautioned against vote-buying, voter intimidation, and other forms of electoral malpractice, warning that such acts could undermine democracy and public trust in the electoral process.
“All those involved in the exercise are my friends, and I have great respect for them,” Obi said.
“But as a member of the Labour Party, I am supporting my party’s candidate, Dr. George Moghalu — not through vote-buying or malpractice, but through conviction.
“Let every voter act according to their conscience. What matters most is that Anambra records a free, fair, and credible election,” he added.
On State Creation and National Development
Responding to questions about state creation, Obi said the idea was unnecessary at this time, arguing that Nigeria’s priority should be effective governance and functional systems, not the proliferation of states and ministries.
“Creation of more states is not our problem. What we need is to make Nigeria work first, not to keep multiplying structures,” he stated.
Support for Health and Education
During the visit, Obi donated ₦15 million each to the College of Nursing, Adazi Nnukwu, and the University on the Niger Teaching Hospital.
He explained that his contributions were part of his lifelong commitment to uplifting humanity and supporting critical sectors such as healthcare and education.
“I believe life must have a purpose, and mine is to support people and promote human development. Education and health are the foundation of every progressive society,” he said.
Obi expressed concern over Nigeria’s low life expectancy rate of 54 years, describing it as one of the lowest globally.
“We must invest in health because nurses are the backbone of human capital development in this area,” he noted.
The former governor also commended Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese and proprietor of the College, for his dedication to service and education.
