Nigerian Senator Oyewumi Admits to Vote Buying in 2023 Elections as APC Calls for Arrest

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In a shocking revelation, Nigerian Senator Olalere Oyewumi, representing the Osun West District, admitted to engaging in vote-buying during the 2023 general elections. This confession was captured in a viral video where Oyewumi, who serves as the Deputy Minority Senate Leader and is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), detailed his attempts to sway voters with personal funds on the eve of the elections.


In the video, Oyewumi recounted how he dispatched his aide with money to buy votes, only to have it rejected by staunch supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking in Yoruba, Oyewumi explained, "I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the Onilu House polling unit, but these people didn’t allow me. After exhausting money for the election, I gave my personal money to Ten-Ten to give to people at night to buy votes. Ten-Ten came back with my money, saying the people rejected it. I was surprised."


Oyewumi’s admission highlights a broader issue that plagued the 2023 elections. Vote buying and selling were rampant, raising concerns about the credibility of the polls conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had even deployed officials to various polling units to curb electoral malpractices.


The APC's leadership, represented by Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, swiftly responded to Oyewumi's confession. Lawal argued that this admission underscores the compromised nature of the Osun elections. In a statement, he remarked, "The confessional statement of Senator Oyewumi is a confirmation that the elections which secured victory for all the PDP candidates, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were brazenly rigged."


Lawal further criticized Oyewumi, labeling him as a "desperate politician" willing to resort to illegal means to secure political advantages. He called for Oyewumi’s immediate resignation and demanded his arrest, stating, "In a civilized clime, Senator Oyewumi has no reason to remain in the Senate after admitting to vote-buying. By now, he should be a guest of the statutory law enforcement agency responsible for investigating such political crimes."


Oyewumi's confession has sparked a significant controversy and highlighted the pervasive issue of electoral malpractice in Nigeria. It raises critical questions about the integrity of elected officials and the fairness of the electoral process. The demand for Oyewumi's arrest by the APC signals a potential crackdown on corrupt practices and could set a precedent for future elections.


As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how law enforcement agencies will respond to these allegations and what impact this will have on Nigeria's political landscape. The revelation is a stark reminder of the need for stringent measures to ensure free, fair, and credible elections in the country.

Senator Olalere Oyewumi's admission to vote-buying during the 2023 general elections has cast a shadow over the integrity of the electoral process in Osun State. With the APC calling for his arrest and resignation, this incident underscores the urgent need for electoral reforms and accountability among Nigerian politicians. The unfolding events will undoubtedly have significant implications for the future of Nigeria's democracy.

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