Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has described electoral fraud as the worst crime in a democratic system, warning that it undermines the will of the people and the integrity of governance.
Oshiomhole made the remark on Monday while responding to questions during an interview on News Central, where he spoke on delays in Nigeria’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general election.
The lawmaker cautioned against practices such as vote buying and manipulation of election results, noting that they erode public confidence in the democratic process.
“My 2012 re-election in Edo State, I won in all the 18 local government areas. I did not give money to anybody,” Oshiomhole said.
The former Edo State governor said he made it clear to voters at the time that he would not engage in vote buying.
“Instead, I told the voters, if my opponent, who allegedly had money to give you, you can collect it — no receipt, no refund. But I have no money to give you; what I will give you is my all in terms of development,” he added.
According to Oshiomhole, the credibility of elections is fundamental to the value and sustainability of democracy.
He also pointed out that Nigeria’s existing electoral laws already provide clear sanctions against vote buying and the falsification or manipulation of election results.
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