He Should Be In Jail’, Nigerians Demands Jail for PDP Senator Who Confessed Buying Votes
Nigerians have expressed outrage following the admission by Olalere Oyewumi, a senator from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), that he engaged in vote buying during the 2023 General Election.
Vote buying was a significant issue faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the election. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) even stationed officials at various polling units to curb this malpractice.
In a widely circulated video, Oyewumi, the Deputy Minority Senate Leader, recounted how he used his own money for vote buying. He narrated how he sent his aide with money on the eve of the election, but supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) refused it.
Speaking in Yoruba, the Minority Leader, representing Osun West District, said, “I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the Onilu House polling unit, but they didn’t allow me. After spending money for the election, I gave my personal money to Ten-Ten to distribute for vote buying the night before the election. Ten-Ten returned with my money, saying people rejected it. I was surprised. I couldn’t continue failing as a Senator, so I reached out to key individuals and encouraged them to join me in the PDP.”
Reacting to the confession, APC chairman Tajudeen Lawal stated that Oyewumi’s admission confirmed the Osun election was not free and fair. Lawal said, “Senator Oyewumi’s confession is proof that the recent elections in the state, which resulted in victories for all PDP candidates including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were rigged. His admission shows he is a desperate politician willing to engage in illegal activities.”
“In a civilized society, Senator Oyewumi would have no justification to remain in the Senate after admitting to vote buying. He should be facing investigation by the relevant law enforcement agency for his political crimes,” Lawal concluded.
