Electoral fraud Is the gravest offence in a democracy – Oshiomhole

Former Edo State Governor and Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has described electoral fraud as the most damaging offence in a democratic system, warning that practices such as vote buying and result manipulation strike at the heart of the people’s will.

Oshiomhole made the remarks on Monday night, February 2, during an appearance on News Central’s Politics HQ, where he spoke on delays surrounding Nigeria’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recalling his 2012 re-election in Edo State, Oshiomhole said he won in all 18 local government areas without engaging in vote buying.

“I did not give money to anybody,” he said, explaining that he made it clear to voters that he would not participate in inducement.

According to him, he told voters they were free to collect money from opponents who offered it, but insisted that his own campaign would be based on performance and commitment to development.

“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,” he said.

The senator stressed that the credibility of elections is fundamental to the value and meaning of democracy.

“The worst crime you can commit is to cheat in an election,” he said, adding that democracy derives its strength from the sense that citizens freely choose their leaders to manage public resources for the benefit of the majority.

Oshiomhole noted that Nigeria’s electoral laws already spell out clear punishments for 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 said.

He added that the consequences are not limited to financial sanctions.

“The punishment is not only monetary; it also includes jail terms,” Oshiomhole said.

He further emphasized that the sanctions apply across board, covering electoral officials as well as candidates involved in malpractice.

“INEC officials face penalties, and candidates also face penalties. The law is clear on that,” he added.