By Passman Akpos
Abuja — In a strong appeal to his fellow legislators and broader political class, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called for an end to election rigging and the use of thugs and arms in the electoral process.
Addressing members of the National Assembly Senate and other political actors in Abuja, Oshiomhole emphasised that democratic legitimacy hinges on credible elections free from manipulation and violence. He declared that it is time for politicians to abandon the twin ills of vote-rigging and the arming of partisan thuggery.
> “Let us stop rigging elections and arming thugs,” the senator said, addressing colleagues who he said must “honour the people’s will rather than subvert it through violence or fraud”.
Rigging and arm-intimidation: entrenched problems
Oshiomhole’s comments come against a backdrop of repeated allegations of electoral malpractice in Nigeria. He himself has in the past accused opposition parties of relying on rigging machines, saying that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was “accustomed to rigging” in the South-South region. He also once argued that an election cannot be rigged without violence, noting his own state’s experience of campaigning and polling.
In his remarks to the Senate, Oshiomhole warned that the practice of providing arms or tacit support to brokers and enforcers of political violence must end. Though he did not name specific individuals, the implication was clear: if rigging continues and intimidation persists, Nigeria’s democracy will remain hostage to brute force rather than the ballot box.
A call for ethical politics
Highlighting the integrity of the election process, Oshiomhole reminded his colleagues that legislators and political actors have a duty to uphold high standards of conduct — not only during campaigns but also when laws are made and rights defended. He urged senior politicians to “lead by example”, insisting that avoiding rigging and disarmament of “political thugs” is not merely a compliance matter but one of moral and civic responsibility.
He also called on institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies and party executives to work in tandem: ensuring that elections are organised transparently, that polling units are free from intimidation, and that malfeasance is quickly and publicly sanctioned.
Reception and possible impact
Political analysts say Oshiomhole’s intervention may carry weight given his long tenure in party politics and his current senatorial role representing Edo State. However, they caution that announcements must be followed by concrete action — such as legislative reforms, enforcement of existing laws, prosecution of offenders, and reduction of politically-motivated violence.
There are questions, too, about how effective such calls will be when major parties continue to rely on grassroots mobilisation that sometimes includes coercive means. It remains to be seen whether Oshiomhole’s appeal triggers a real shift or remains a rhetorical gesture.
What’s next?
Observers will watch for whether Senator Oshiomhole or his Senate colleagues introduce motions or bills targeting electoral violence, rigging, the financing of thugs, or the regulation of campaign security. Public oversight groups will also monitor whether party structures respond to the call by purging violent elements, and whether security agencies act proactively rather than reactively.
For ordinary Nigerians tired of election-day chaos, the hope is that such leadership statements translate into safer, fairer, and more credible polls — where votes count without bullets, and ballots carry more weight than the barrel of a gun.
