Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has called on politicians and lawmakers to stop arming jobless youths to disrupt elections, saying such acts are destroying Nigeria’s democracy and fueling insecurity.

Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, the former Edo State governor said political violence is not part of democracy and blamed politicians for empowering thugs during campaigns and elections.

“After every election, crimes increase because those who armed hungry youths for politics can’t retrieve the weapons. They end up using them for robbery and other crimes,” Oshiomhole said.

He revealed that he once warned his fellow governors that only wealthy political figures could afford to buy AK-47 rifles, implying that election violence is often sponsored from the top.

Oshiomhole urged politicians to be sincere and allow Nigerians to choose their leaders freely through credible elections.

“If we truly stop violence, elections in Nigeria will be free, fair, and transparent,” he added.

He also advised against conducting presidential, governorship, and National Assembly elections on the same day, and urged authorities to tighten cybersecurity as technology becomes central to the voting process.

“Once we stop arming youths for elections, 90% of our electoral problems will disappear,” Oshiomhole concluded.

Oshiomhole’s statement has sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians agreeing that true electoral reform must start with those in power.

Watch video below…

“Let us stop r!gging Election & arm!ng thugs”👀👀

-Senator Adams Oshiomole tells his colleagues and other police pic.twitter.com/rLEgYzcg15

— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 23, 2025