“Let’s Stop Rigging Elections,” Oshiomhole Urges Politicians, Lawmakers
By Erewunmi Peace
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has urged his colleagues in the National Assembly and politicians across Nigeria to put an end to election rigging and the arming of youths during political contests.
Oshiomhole made the call during a recent Senate plenary while contributing to discussions on the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act. The former Edo State governor lamented that some politicians, directly or indirectly, empower unemployed youths with weapons during elections, only for such arms to be used later to perpetrate crimes.
“We must stop this culture of aiding and arming our young people to rig elections. After the elections, they become unemployed and turn those weapons on the society,” Oshiomhole said.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when elections are free, fair, and credible, noting that continued manipulation of the process undermines good governance and public trust in the electoral system.
Oshiomhole also called on fellow lawmakers to lead by example, urging them to promote issue-based campaigns and discourage the use of thuggery, violence, or vote-buying in future elections.
The senator’s comments have generated wide reactions among Nigerians, many of whom commended his courage to speak out against electoral malpractice within the political class.
The video of his speech has circulated widely on social media platforms, further reigniting discussions on electoral reforms and political accountability.
