VOTE BUYING: Probe Oshiomhole’s public confession, Kwara PDP tells EFCC
- By Biola Azeez
December 21, 2023
The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the recent remarks credited to the former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman, Comrade Adam Oshiomole, regarding the alleged deployment of funds to influence the 2019 elections in Kwara state.
Comrade Adam Oshiomole, an erstwhile National Chairman of the APC is now a Senator representing Edo North at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The Kwara PDP in a swift reaction through its State Publicity Secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to immediately investigate Senator Oshiomole.
“Our attention was drawn to a reckless anti-democratic statement credited to the disgraced former APC National Chairman, Mr. Adam Oshiomole, where he proudly declared that the APC, under his leadership, committed more than N1.2 billion to secure victory over Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and the PDP in Kwara in 2019 general elections.
“As a Party, we feel such a revelation is not only affirming our position that there were no elections in Kwara in 2019 but a political coup targeted at Bukola Saraki using the federal powers and all state apparatuses to hound and intimidate Kwarans and imposed the current accidental leadership on the state in a coup detat style. We are vindicated by Oshiomole’s public admittance that the 2019 elections in Kwara were rigged to dislodge Saraki.
“However, we want to assert that Oshiomole’s public confession of indulging in vote-buying politics constitutes a serious breach of Nigerian law. It is disheartening that Mr. Adam Oshiomole, who currently holds a position as a Nigerian lawmaker, has unequivocally crossed the red line by attacking the political decorum expected of a responsible legislator. As a lawmaker, Oshiomole is duty-bound to uphold the values of democracy, champion the cause of justice, and represent the interests of the people. Regrettably, a figure entrusted with the responsibility of making laws for the nation has openly celebrated the subversion of the democratic processes through the undue influence of money.
“It is essential to emphasize that vote buying is a punishable offense under Nigerian law. We, therefore, urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to promptly initiate an investigation into this voluntary admission by Oshiomole, as it aligns with the legal definition of a punishable offense for which young boys and girls who were caught with just N50,000 at various polling booths were made to languish in various prisons while a national vote buyer who has openly confessed is being rewarded with a member of a hallowed chamber.
“We also call on relevant parliamentary bodies to investigate Oshiomole’s conduct and hold him accountable for his actions, as he has not only undermined the credibility of the legislative institution but also eroded public trust in the democratic system. This egregious display by Oshiomole further underscores the need for comprehensive electoral reforms and the strengthening of institutions that safeguard the integrity of our democracy.
“It is truly disheartening to witness a national lawmaker like Oshiomole, who should serve as a role model for upholding democratic values, engage in actions that are not only morally wrong but undermine the very foundation of our political system. Oshiomole’s arrogant and ridiculous utterances, confessing to the use of money to win elections, epitomize the deplorable state of our democracy today.”
