Former Edo State Governor and Senator Adams Oshiomhole has said electoral fraud constitutes the “worst crime” in a democracy, emphasising that manipulating election outcomes and vote-buying seriously undermines the will of the people.
He made the remarks during an interview on News Central’s Politics HQ programme.
Oshiomhole’s comments address concerns about electoral malpractice amid ongoing discussions on electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Debates on vote buying and result manipulation have grown as various stakeholders call for stronger enforcement of electoral laws and penalties to protect the credibility of the voting process.
Speaking on the programme, Oshiomhole said the integrity of elections is fundamental to democratic governance because elections determine who holds public office and how public resources are managed.
He argued that cheating in elections betrays the core purpose of democracy and erodes public trust in political institutions.
Oshiomhole referenced his own re-election in Edo State as governor in 2012, saying he avoided vote buying and instead focused on development issues with voters. He highlighted that accepting or buying votes undermines the electorate’s confidence and corrupts democratic representation.
The senator said existing electoral laws in Nigeria already impose penalties for vote buying and result manipulation, and that sanctions extend beyond fines to potential jail terms for offenders.
He also noted that the law provides penalties for both electoral officials and political candidates involved in malpractice, underscoring that the legal framework recognises the gravity of such offences.
Oshiomhole said: “I think it is about people recognising that the worst crime you can commit is to cheat on elections, because the beauty of democracy is to have that inner feeling that… you have been chosen by the state to apply their resources in a creative manner to deliver the greatest good to the greatest number.”
He added: “On vote buying, there are penalties… and the penalty is not only monetary, but also a penalty for jail.”
Oshiomhole’s remarks contribute to ongoing national discourse on the need for credible elections and effective enforcement of electoral laws in Nigeria.
Concerns about vote buying and election manipulation have been raised by civil society groups, rights organisations and former officials, who also warn that unchecked malpractice can weaken democratic institutions and diminish voter participation.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole’s description of electoral fraud as the “worst crime” in a democracy reiterates calls for strengthened commitment to electoral integrity in Nigeria.
His comments underscore the importance of transparent elections, legal accountability and public trust as the country prepares for future polls.
