Achike Udenwa, ex-Governor of Imo State, claims that elections in Nigeria can be bought through financial influence, asserting that institutions like INEC, police, and military can be swayed. He critiques the decline in candidate scrutiny and warns that such transactional politics jeopardize democratic integrity. Udenwa also highlights external challenges facing the PDP amidst its ongoing crisis, particularly blaming the ruling APC for interference.
Achike Udenwa, former Governor of Imo State, asserted that in Nigeria, elections can be bought through financial means. He believes that influential institutions like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police, and military can be swayed by politicians with sufficient funds. Speaking on the State Affairs podcast, Udenwa expressed concern over the prevalent influence of money in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Udenwa lamented the decline in public discourse regarding candidates’ qualifications, stating, “If you say vote for me, I am no longer asking what you can do. What are your antecedents?” He observed that voters often overlook the character of candidates, focusing instead on monetary incentives.
Notably, Udenwa noted that even if voters oppose a candidate, financial power can secure an election victory, saying, “You can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money.” He emphasized that this transactional nature of elections must be halted to facilitate the rise of credible leaders.
Additionally, Udenwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, attributed current issues within the party to external forces, particularly blaming the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He remarked on the party’s struggles but expressed confidence in the PDP’s ability to withstand these challenges, stating, “I believe PDP will not be destroyed.”
Udenwa accused the APC of instigating conflict within the PDP, confirming that the party is aware of external influences contributing to its instability, though he refrained from naming specific individuals allegedly involved in the destabilization effort.
Udenwa’s remarks highlight significant concerns regarding the intersection of money and politics in Nigeria, wherein financial influence can compromise electoral integrity. He advocates for an urgent reevaluation of this system to enable responsible leadership. His views also shed light on the internal and external challenges facing the PDP, indicating a need for vigilance against destabilizing forces.
Original Source: punchng.com
