Olalere Oyewumi, a federal lawmaker representing Osun West District under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has stirred controversy by admitting to engaging in vote buying during the 2023 general elections.
In a viral video that has sparked widespread reactions, Oyewumi, who also serves as the Deputy Minority Senate Leader, candidly recounted his attempts to influence the election outcome at the Onilu House polling unit. Speaking in Yoruba, he disclosed how he sent his aide with personal funds to buy votes on the eve of the election, only to have the money rejected by staunch supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
"I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the polling unit, but these people didn't allow me," Oyewumi stated in the video. "After exhausting campaign funds, I resorted to using my personal money, which was returned by Ten-Ten, my aide, saying the people rejected it. I was surprised."
The admission has raised concerns about the credibility of the elections conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and prompted reactions from political stakeholders. The APC, through its chairman Tajudeen Lawal, condemned Oyewumi's confession, labeling it as evidence of election malpractice.
"The confessional statement of Senator Oyewumi confirms that the elections in Osun State, which purportedly secured victory for all PDP candidates, including Governor Ademola Adeleke, were brazenly rigged," Lawal asserted in a statement.
Lawal further criticized Oyewumi's continued presence in the Senate, calling for legal action against him. "In a civilized society, Senator Oyewumi should be under investigation by law enforcement agencies for engaging in such political malpractice," Lawal added.
Meanwhile, reactions from the PDP leadership in Osun State have not been immediately forthcoming, as the controversy surrounding Oyewumi's confession continues to unfold. The development has reignited debates on electoral integrity and the need for robust reforms to prevent vote buying and other electoral malpractices in future elections.
Watch video below..
The Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District at the Nigerian Senate and Deputy Minority Leader, Lere Oyewumi, has admitted to partaking in vote buying during the 2023 general elections.
— Osun Defender (@OsunDefender) June 29, 2024
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