Vote-Buying Allegations against Senate Minority LeaderVote-Buying Allegations against Senate Minority Leader In a concerning development, Senate Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumni has allegedly admitted to engaging in vote-buying practices during the 2023 elections. Video Evidence Emerges A trending video online has surfaced in which Oyewumni is reportedly seen making the admission. While receiving defectors from the PDP, he stated, “I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the polls in Onilu House (Ile Onilu) but these people would not let me.” The senator from Osun further elaborated on his alleged actions: “After I exhausted the money for the elections, I gave my personal money to Ten-Ten to give to people in the evening to buy votes on the eve of the elections, Ten-Ten came back with my money and said the people had rejected it. I was surprised.” Defectors’ Testimony According to reports, Oyewumni also admitted to reaching out to defectors from the PDP, acknowledging that he needed their support to avoid failing in his constituency. He specifically mentioned Ayandosu, who he claimed had talent but was being held back by his previous party (APC). Public Outcry and Investigation The allegations made by Oyewumni have sparked outrage among the public, with many condemning such unethical practices. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reportedly launched an investigation into the matter. Implications for Democratic Process Vote-buying represents a serious threat to the integrity of democratic elections. It undermines the principle of free and fair electoral competition and allows candidates to influence the outcome through illegitimate means. Call for Accountability If the allegations against Oyewumni are substantiated, he should be held accountable for his actions. Vote-buying is a criminal offense, and those involved should face the consequences for their wrongdoing. Need for Electoral Reforms The incident highlights the need for comprehensive electoral reforms to prevent vote-buying and other forms of electoral fraud. These reforms should include measures to increase transparency, accountability, and voter education.
Senate Minority Leader, Olalere Oyewumni
Senate Minority Leader Olalere Oyewumni has reportedly admitted to buying votes in the 2023 elections.
Olalere made the alleged confession in a trending video online.
The senator from Osun, while receiving defectors from the PDP, said: “I tried all the tricks I knew to win at the polls in Onilu House (Ile Onilu) but these people would not let me.”
He is reported to have said: “After I exhausted the money for the elections, I gave my personal money to Ten-Ten to give to people in the evening to buy votes on the eve of the elections, Ten-Ten came back with my money and said the people had rejected it. I was surprised.
“That’s why I reached out to these people, because I can’t be a senator and continue to fail there. I was the one who called Ayandosu from Abuja to join me in the PDP. I told him he had talent and the party he was then serving (APC) would not allow him to grow.”
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