The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in 2023, Mr. Peter Obi, and the party’s governorship candidate in the ongoing Anambra State election, George Moghalu, have cast their votes, but both expressed concern over widespread vote buying in the state.

As Anambra residents went to the polls to elect a new governor, Obi and Moghalu used the opportunity to highlight what they described as a troubling trend undermining the credibility of the election.

After voting, Moghalu, who cast his ballot at Polling Unit 017, Uruagu Ward 1, Nnewi North LGA, told journalists that the buying and selling of citizens’ votes was rampant in various communities, with sums ranging from ?10,000 to ?15,000.

“Poverty was weaponised for massive vote buying. If you monetise your process and weaponise poverty, what is free about the election?” Moghalu said, stressing that the practice compromises the democratic process.

Meanwhile, Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, voted at Umudimakasi, Agulu Ward 2, Polling Unit 008, where supporters and residents had gathered in anticipation. He also raised concerns about electoral malpractice, echoing Moghalu’s warning on vote buying.

Both candidates called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, free from intimidation and the manipulation of vulnerable voters. (VANGUARD)