Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, claims that elections in Nigeria can be bought with money, influencing critical institutions like INEC, the police, and the army. He argues that voters no longer prioritize candidates’ qualifications and warns that financial misconduct undermines democratic leadership. Udenwa also discusses the internal struggles within the Peoples Democratic Party and attributes them to external and ruling party influences.
Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has expressed grave concerns regarding the influence of money on the electoral process in Nigeria. During a recent appearance on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast, Udenwa asserted that politicians can essentially purchase elections by exerting financial influence over key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army. He lamented the present state of political engagement, where voters no longer prioritize a candidate’s qualifications or character.
Udenwa emphasized that electoral outcomes can be determined by financial power alone, stating, “Even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money.” He underscored the troubling reality that politicians can manipulate not only the electorate but also critical institutions involved in the electoral process.
Highlighting the transactional nature of Nigerian elections, Udenwa warned that this trend poses a significant barrier to the emergence of credible leadership in the country. He also scrutinized the ruling All Progressives Congress for exacerbating internal strife within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he serves on the Board of Trustees. Describing the PDP’s internal struggles, he noted, “There are external hands trying to destroy the PDP through internal sources. We are still battling the problem, and I believe PDP will not be destroyed.”
While Udenwa acknowledged ongoing challenges within the PDP, he remarked that external factors contribute to the party’s instability. He refrained from naming specific individuals allegedly involved in undermining the opposition, instead asserting that the PDP is aware of the external influences at play.
In conclusion, Achike Udenwa’s observations highlight a concerning trend in Nigerian politics, where elections can be heavily influenced by financial resources. His comments reveal the deep-seated issues affecting the political landscape, including the erosion of voter accountability and the pervasive role of money in electoral processes. Furthermore, Udenwa’s critique of the ruling APC and the challenges within the PDP underscores the complexities facing Nigeria’s political future.
Original Source: punchng.com
