Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, has claimed that money plays a significant role in influencing elections in Nigeria, allowing politicians to “buy” results and support from key institutions. He lamented the lack of scrutiny regarding candidate qualifications and warned of the need to address this issue to enable credible leadership. Additionally, he pointed out ongoing challenges within the PDP, suggesting external forces are contributing to its instability.
Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has raised concerns regarding the use of financial power to influence elections in Nigeria. Speaking on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Udenwa lamented the pervasive role of money in the electoral process, noting that politicians can buy elections outright, thereby undermining democratic integrity.
Udenwa pointed out a disturbing trend in Nigerian politics where voters prioritize monetary gain over a candidate’s qualifications or character. He expressed that citizens no longer inquire about the backgrounds or capabilities of candidates, focusing instead on financial inducements. “Unfortunately, our society has grown to such a level where if you say vote for me, I am no longer asking what you can do. What are your antecedents? What type of character do you have? We don’t ask such questions again,” he asserted.
The former governor highlighted that, even if a candidate does not have the support of voters, substantial financial resources can still secure electoral victories. He echoed this sentiment by stating, “Even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money.” Udenwa asserted that it is possible to “buy everybody,” extending the influence to key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, the police, and the army.
He warned that the growing trend of transactional politics threatens the emergence of credible leaders in Nigeria. Udenwa, currently a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for exacerbating the ongoing crisis within the PDP. While he acknowledged the internal challenges faced by his party, he insisted that external forces are actively attempting to destabilize the PDP.
“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,” he stated. Udenwa indicated that the PDP is aware of the APC’s alleged involvement in the party’s challenges but refrained from identifying specific individuals purportedly responsible for undermining the opposition.
In conclusion, Achike Udenwa’s commentary underscores the alarming influence of financial power in Nigeria’s electoral system, suggesting that elections can be easily manipulated through financial means. He insists that this trend must be addressed to ensure the emergence of true leadership and maintain the integrity of democracy. Furthermore, he draws attention to ongoing instability within the PDP, attributing some of its issues to external pressures.
Original Source: punchng.com
