Electoral Fraud Worst Crime in Democracy, Says Oshiomhole
Former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has described electoral fraud as the worst crime that can be committed in a democracy, warning that those who undermine the electoral process are destroying the very foundation of governance.
Oshiomhole made the remarks during a recent interview while speaking on the growing menace of vote buying, result manipulation and other electoral malpractices in Nigeria. According to him, democracy is anchored on the will of the people, and any attempt to subvert that will through fraud amounts to a grave offence against society. Electoral fraud is the worst crime in a democracy because it robs citizens of their right to freely choose their leaders,” Oshiomhole said. “Once elections are compromised, governance itself becomes illegitimate". The former Edo State governor stressed that credible elections are non-negotiable if Nigeria must deepen its democratic culture. He noted that when leaders emerge through fraud, they lack moral authority and accountability to the people, which in turn fuels poor governance and public distrust. Oshiomhole also condemned vote buying, describing it as a modern form of rigging that has gradually eaten deep into Nigeria’s electoral system. He argued that politicians who rely on money rather than ideas and performance to win elections are doing a disservice to democracy. Recalling his political experience, Oshiomhole said he resisted vote buying during his 2012 re-election campaign as governor of Edo State, insisting that leadership should be earned through service and credibility, not financial inducement. He further warned that Nigeria’s electoral laws already provide stiff penalties for those involved in electoral malpractice, including candidates, party agents and electoral officials. According to him, anyone found guilty of manipulating election results or engaging in vote buying should face prosecution and possible imprisonment. Election cheats should not expect sympathy. There is enough space in prison for them,” he said, adding that enforcement of existing laws is key to deterring future violations. Oshiomhole’s comments come amid renewed national debates on electoral reforms and concerns over election credibility as the country looks ahead to future polls. Civil society groups and political stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of electoral laws to curb fraud and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
