Edo North Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called out Nigerian politicians for arming jobless young people to rig elections, saying this dangerous practice is destroying democracy and fueling violent crime across the country.
The former Edo State governor didn’t mince words during Wednesday’s Senate session.
He blamed desperate politicians who hand weapons to thugs during campaign seasons, only to lose control of those same weapons after the elections end.
“After every election, crimes increase because those who armed hungry youths for politics can’t retrieve the weapons. They end up using them for robbery and other crimes,” Oshiomhole said.
He pointed out something many Nigerians already suspect: only wealthy politicians can afford to buy AK-47 rifles, making it clear that election violence comes from the top.
Oshiomhole challenged his fellow politicians to do the right thing and let Nigerians choose their leaders through fair, transparent elections.
He also suggested that INEC should rethink holding presidential, governorship, and National Assembly elections all on the same day, and stressed the need for better cybersecurity as voting becomes increasingly digital.
His solution is straightforward: “Once we stop arming youths for elections, 90% of our electoral problems will disappear.”
