Kwara PDP Urges EFCC Probe of Oshiomhole Over Vote-Buying Claims

• Kwara State PDP urges EFCC to investigate Senator Adams Oshiomhole for admitting APC spent N3.2bn in 2019 elections
• Allegations of vote-buying and subversion of democratic processes prompt calls for a probe into Oshiomhole’s actions by Kwara PDP

The Kwara State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Senator Adams Oshiomhole for his remarks on the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) spending during the 2019 elections.

During the book launch of former APC National Vice Chairman, North-West, Salihu Lukman, Oshiomhole, the former National Chairman of the APC, disclosed that the party spent approximately N3.2bn to secure victory in the 2019 governorship election across four states.

Specifically, he mentioned allocating N800m to Kwara State for the ‘O to ge’ movement, instrumental in displacing the Bukola Saraki-led Peoples Democratic Party’s rule. Similar amounts were allegedly spent in Imo, Ogun, and Taraba states.

Oshiomhole asserted, “We spent N800m in Kwara under ‘O to ge’ to win the election. The same amount was spent in Imo, Ogun, and Taraba. No other NWC (National Working Committee) spent as much in any election.”

As the national chairman, Oshiomhole clashed with former Senate President Dr. Bukola Saraki after Saraki switched to the PDP. The APC’s triumph and the ousting of Saraki were hailed by Oshiomhole as a major achievement in 2019.

However, the Kwara PDP, through its state publicity secretary, Olusegun Olusola Adewara, issued a statement on Thursday calling for an immediate EFCC investigation into Oshiomhole’s actions.

The statement emphasized, “This revelation affirms our stance that there were no legitimate elections in Kwara State in 2019 but a political coup aimed at dislodging Saraki, employing federal powers and state apparatus.”

The party contends that Oshiomhole’s admission of involvement in (alleged) vote-buying politics constitutes a serious violation of Nigerian law. They express disappointment that a current Nigerian lawmaker like Oshiomhole has openly celebrated the subversion of democratic processes through undue financial influence.

“As a lawmaker, Oshiomhole is duty-bound to uphold democracy’s values, champion justice, and represent the people’s interests. Regrettably, a figure entrusted with making laws for the nation has openly celebrated the subversion of democratic processes through the undue influence of money.”