Electoral Fraud Is Democracy's Most Serious Offence – Oshiomhole Issues Strong Warning
Former Edo State Governor and current Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has declared electoral fraud to be the most damaging and severe crime within any democratic system. He issued this stern warning during a television appearance, emphasizing that practices like vote buying and the manipulation of election results directly attack the foundational principle of the people's will.
Television Appearance and Context of Remarks
Senator Oshiomhole made these critical observations on the evening of Monday, February 2, while featuring as a guest on News Central's Politics HQ program. The discussion centered on the ongoing delays and challenges surrounding Nigeria's electoral reform process as the nation looks toward the 2027 general elections.
Personal Experience from Edo State Re-election
Reflecting on his own political journey, Oshiomhole recalled his successful 2012 re-election campaign for the governorship of Edo State. He highlighted that he achieved victory across all 18 local government areas without resorting to the common practice of vote buying.
"I did not give money to anybody," he stated firmly, explaining that he had made a clear and public commitment to voters that his campaign would not participate in any form of financial inducement.
Oshiomhole's Unique Campaign Approach
According to the senator, he adopted a transparent strategy with the electorate. He informed voters that they were free to accept money from any opposing candidate who offered it, but he himself would not engage in such practices.
"I told them, if my opponent has money to give you, you can collect it—no receipt, no refund. I have no money to give you, but I will give you my all in terms of development," Oshiomhole recounted, underscoring that his campaign was built solely on a record of performance and a genuine commitment to public development projects.
The Fundamental Importance of Electoral Credibility
Oshiomhole stressed that the credibility and integrity of elections are absolutely fundamental to the value and true meaning of democracy itself. "The worst crime you can commit is to cheat in an election," he asserted, adding that democracy derives its core strength from the genuine belief that citizens are freely choosing their leaders to manage public resources for the benefit of the majority.
Existing Legal Framework and Penalties
The senator pointed out that Nigeria's current electoral laws already establish clear and specific punishments for offences like vote buying and the manipulation of election results. "There are penalties for vote buying. There are penalties for a presiding officer who deliberately acts to undermine the will of the electorate or tampers with ballot papers to alter the outcome in favour of a loser," he detailed.
Scope and Severity of Sanctions
He further clarified that the legal consequences are not limited merely to financial sanctions. "The punishment is not only monetary; it also includes jail terms," Oshiomhole emphasized, indicating the seriousness with which the law treats such malpractices.
Universal Application of the Law
Oshiomhole added that these sanctions apply universally across the electoral process, covering all involved parties. "INEC officials face penalties, and candidates also face penalties. The law is clear on that," he concluded, reinforcing the message that accountability is required from both electoral administrators and political contestants to safeguard democratic integrity.
