Former Governor Achike Udenwa claims that elections in Nigeria can be bought with money, allowing politicians to influence institutions like INEC and the military. He emphasized the urgent need to address the transactional nature of elections and asserted that the ruling APC is destabilizing the PDP. Udenwa warned against the continuation of this trend to ensure credible leadership emerges in the country.
Achike Udenwa, the former Governor of Imo State, has publicly asserted that monetary influence plays a significant role in Nigerian elections, claiming that politicians with sufficient funds can manipulate key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police, and military. During a discussion on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs podcast, Udenwa expressed concern over how society has evolved to prioritize wealth over qualifications and character when selecting leaders. He remarked, “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.”
Udenwa elaborated that the electoral system has devolved into a transactional process, suggesting that money can even ensure victory despite voter opposition. He stated, “Even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money.” When questioned about whether political figures could purchase the loyalty of INEC, the police, the army, and voters, he firmly replied, “You can buy everybody.” This warning underscores the urgent need to reform the electoral landscape to facilitate the emergence of credible leadership in Nigeria.
In addition to critiquing the electoral bribery culture, Udenwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, attributed part of the PDP’s internal turmoil to external manipulation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He acknowledged ongoing challenges within the PDP but maintained that external forces exacerbated these issues, declaring, “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 noted that his party remains aware of the APC’s involvement but refrained from identifying specific individuals contributing to the destabilization efforts.
In summary, Achike Udenwa’s remarks highlight the troubling influence of money in Nigerian elections, emphasizing the need to address the transactional nature of political campaigns. Additionally, he underscored the external threats facing the Peoples Democratic Party, reinforcing the importance of internal stability to counter these challenges. Udenwa’s insights call for a reevaluation of the electoral integrity to foster credible leadership in Nigeria.
Original Source: punchng.com
