Former Edo governor condemns political violence during Senate plenary
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North Senatorial District, has issued a passionate appeal to fellow politicians, urging them to stop arming unemployed youths and using them to disrupt electoral processes. Speaking during plenary in the Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, the former governor of Edo State warned that the use of violence in elections is a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and fuels post-election insecurity.
His remarks come as preparations begin for the next electoral cycle, with public discourse intensifying around how to ensure free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
“AK-47s are not bought on the street”
In his address, Senator Oshiomhole recalled a past meeting with fellow governors during his time in office, where he raised concerns about how political actors procure weapons for youths to intimidate voters and electoral officials during elections.
“AK-47 is not like buying akara on the street — only big men can buy them,” Oshiomhole said.
He noted that weapons used to rig elections often end up in the hands of criminals once the elections are over, contributing to a surge in armed robbery, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
“If you ask the security agencies, they will tell you that after every election, violent crimes increase. The politicians who procured weapons for children who are hungry and pay them a little fee — once the election is over, they are not able to retrieve the weapons.”
Post-election violence linked to armed thugs
The senator explained that many of the armed youths used to disrupt polling units and collation centers are often left unemployed and abandoned after the election season, resulting in a significant rise in criminal activity.
“You can see a strong correlation between the level of criminality, robbery, etc., immediately after elections. These people have been abandoned, but the weapons remain in circulation.”
Oshiomhole acknowledged that during his time as governor, he was challenged by then-Governor Rotimi Amaechi when he raised similar concerns. He stressed that his position today is a continuation of that long-standing call for political responsibility and electoral integrity.
Calls for non-violent, transparent elections
Senator Oshiomhole emphasized that violence should have no place in Nigeria’s democratic process and encouraged lawmakers to commit to non-violent and transparent elections.
“If we all, not just from our lips but from our hearts, remove violence and agree that the Nigerian people deserve to hire and fire without fear or favor on election day, we will have free and fair elections.”
He reminded his colleagues that the true value of public office lies in the authentic mandate of the people, not in manipulation or rigging.
“The beauty of democracy is not the fact that you find yourself occupying an important elective office. It is the feeling in your heart that people actually, in their free will, found you worthy to be their voice.”
Warns against combining national and presidential elections
In his broader commentary on electoral reform, Oshiomhole also expressed concerns about the proposal to hold presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative elections on the same day. He warned that such a move may complicate logistics and increase the risk of confusion and electoral malpractice.
He further called for vigilance in Nigeria’s use of technology in elections, warning that the nation must be careful to guard against hacking and cyber threats that could compromise the credibility of results.
Final appeal to political class
Oshiomhole concluded with a strong moral appeal to his fellow politicians:
“We, as senators, should resolve — individually and collectively — that we shall not, directly or indirectly, secretly or openly, abet unemployed people or arm them to disrupt elections. If we form our character, this problem is 90 percent solved.”
His remarks have resonated with many observers who continue to raise concerns over the militarization of elections, youth exploitation, and the long-term consequences of political violence in Nigeria.
