Money’s Role in Nigerian Elections: Insights from Ex-Governor Udenwa
Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa alleges that elections in Nigeria can be purchased through financial influence. He asserts that key institutions, including INEC, the police, and the army, can be swayed by money. Udenwa also criticizes the prevailing transactional nature of elections, identifying external forces contributing to instability within the PDP, of which he is a member.
Achike Udenwa, the former Governor of Imo State, has asserted that financial resources play a pivotal role in influencing elections in Nigeria. Udenwa, during an episode of Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast, expressed concern over the capacity of politicians to manipulate essential institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the military through monetary means. He lamented that societal values have shifted to prioritize wealth over qualifications or character when choosing political leaders.
The former governor emphasized that even if a candidate receives no votes, they can still secure victory with sufficient financial influence. Udenwa stated, “Even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money.” He further indicated that the notion of transactional elections is rampant, suggesting that this trend must be reversed to foster the emergence of credible leadership in Nigeria.
In addition to his commentary on electoral integrity, Mr. Udenwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, attributed the ongoing crises within the party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He acknowledged that the PDP faces internal challenges but suggested that external intervention is exacerbating these issues. Udenwa noted that 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.”
Udenwa further claimed that the PDP is aware of the APC’s influence in instigating the party’s unrest but refrained from identifying specific individuals involved in the destabilization efforts. His comments underscore a broader acknowledgment within the opposition that there are forces actively working to undermine the party’s unity and effectiveness.
The statements by Achike Udenwa reveal a troubling trend in Nigerian politics where financial influence is undermining the electoral process. He calls for a restoration of integrity and emphasizes the need for credible leadership to emerge without the taint of transactional politics. Furthermore, the ongoing crises within the PDP, linked to external pressures from the APC, highlight the complex dynamics affecting political stability in Nigeria.
Original Source: punchng.com
