Money decides elections in Nigeria – Ex-gov Udenwa
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has stated that any politician with enough money can buy their way to electoral victory in Nigeria.
Speaking recently on State Affairs, a political podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Udenwa lamented the influence of money in Nigerian politics, claiming that wealthy politicians can manipulate key institutions including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police and the army to secure election wins.
“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. And, of course, even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money,” Udenwa said.
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When asked whether politicians could buy INEC, the police, the army and voters, he bluntly responded, “You can buy everybody.”
Udenwa stressed that elections in Nigeria have become a marketplace for votes and influence, warning that unless this practice is curbed, the country will struggle to produce the right leaders.
On the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he serves as a member of the Board of Trustees, the ex-governor accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fueling the conflict.
“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 said.
While acknowledging the PDP’s internal challenges, Udenwa insisted that external interference —allegedly from the APC — has worsened the party’s troubles. However, he declined to name specific individuals involved in destabilising the opposition.
