Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has said he and his running mate, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, will not provide money to party agents to induce voters during the 2027 general election.
Obi made the statement while responding to questions at a town hall meeting in Sokoto, where he appeared alongside Kwankwaso.
The former Anambra State governor described the practice of giving money to voters during elections as vote-buying and said it contributed to the persistence of poverty in the country.
“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 to protect voters and ensure that ballots were properly counted and recorded.
Obi said an administration led by him and Kwankwaso would tackle corruption, particularly alleged corruption associated with fuel subsidy, before considering measures to cushion 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 the subsidy in another dimension,” he said.
Earlier, the coordinator of the Obi/Kwankwaso movement in Sokoto, Nasiru Tambuwal, criticised the Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket adopted by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tambuwal noted that Nigeria had largely witnessed 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 confronting Nigerians.
Also speaking, Kwankwaso assured residents that the proposed Obi/Kwankwaso administration would prioritise good governance and the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“The Obi/Kwankwaso government is ready to work for the masses of this country,” the former Kano State governor said.
Kwankwaso urged Nigerians to support efforts aimed at producing a government focused on improving the living conditions of citizens.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.
INEC’s current regulations also set out requirements governing political party finances and election expenses ahead of the poll.
