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Oshiomhole Says He Won 2012 Edo Re-Election Without Giving Money
Former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole has revealed that he won his 2012 re-election without distributing money to voters.
He stated that during the election, he openly warned voters that he would not tolerate vote buying.
Oshiomhole made the comments on Monday during an interview on News Central’s Politics HQ, while discussing delays in Nigeria’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general election. He emphasized that vote buying and election manipulation undermine the democratic process.
“My 2012 re-election in Edo State, I won in all the 18 local government areas. I did not give money to anybody,” Oshiomhole said.
The former governor explained that he informed voters they could take money from his opponent if offered, but he would instead focus on delivering development.
“I told the voters, if my opponent, who allegedly had money to give, you can collect it. No receipt, no refund. But I have no money to give you. I will give you my all in terms of development,” he said.
Oshiomhole also highlighted the importance of election integrity in sustaining democracy.
“The worst crime you can commit is to cheat in elections. Democracy’s value lies in knowing that among over two hundred million people, you have been chosen to use public resources creatively for the greatest good,” he added.
He noted that current electoral laws already include penalties for vote buying and election result manipulation.
“There are penalties for presiding officers who act to undermine the electorate’s will or alter ballot results. The penalties are not only monetary but also include jail time,” Oshiomhole said.
He stressed that sanctions apply to everyone involved in electoral malpractice, reinforcing the need for credible elections.
