Adams Oshiomhole, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has made a powerful call to Senator Godswill Akpabio and other politicians to cease election rigging and the arming of thugs. Oshiomhole condemned these practices as detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy and peaceful electoral processes.
In a direct appeal amid ongoing electoral tensions, Oshiomhole highlighted the destructive impact of manipulating election outcomes through violence and intimidation. He accused some political figures of collaborating with security agencies or local officials to influence election results unlawfully, often by employing government officials as agents to manipulate figures in favor of certain candidates. He specifically cited Akpabio’s 2019 senatorial election as an example where rigging allegedly took place, claiming that results were altered against Akpabio’s favor.
Oshiomhole stressed that elections should be free, fair, and transparent, urging politicians to respect the democratic will of the people instead of resorting to violence or fraudulent tactics. He described the ongoing practice of arming political thugs to disrupt voters and destroy election materials as highly dangerous and unacceptable.
The former APC chairman also lamented the complicity of some security officers who, according to him, have stood by or even facilitated electoral malpractices in certain areas, preventing lawful voting and protection of election materials. He underscored that such acts undermine Nigeria’s democratic stability and fuel insecurity.
Oshiomhole’s statement resonates with wider calls across Nigeria for credible elections, emphasizing that the country’s electoral processes must prioritize the rule of law and protect citizens from violence and coercion. His appeal to Akpabio and other politicians to desist from rigging and arming thugs underscores a need for accountability and reform within Nigeria’s political system.
This message comes at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with electoral violence and challenges of ensuring free and fair elections. Oshiomhole’s call is a significant reminder for all political actors to uphold democratic principles and work toward peaceful political contestation.