Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has claimed that politicians with enough financial resources can manipulate Nigeria’s electoral process by buying key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army to secure electoral victories.
Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s State Affairs political podcast, Udenwa lamented that Nigerian voters no longer scrutinize the character, track record, or integrity of those seeking political office.
“Unfortunately, our society has reached a point where, if you ask for votes, people no longer question your background, capabilities, or character. Even if the electorate refuses to vote for you, you can still buy your way through—if you have the right amount of money,” he said.
When asked if politicians could outrightly purchase electoral bodies and security forces, Udenwa responded emphatically, “You can buy everybody.”
The former governor expressed concerns over the deep-rooted influence of money in Nigerian elections, warning that unless the trend is curbed, the country will continue to struggle with electing the right leaders.
On the internal crisis plaguing the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Udenwa, a member of the party’s Board of Trustees, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of fueling the discord.
While acknowledging that the PDP has internal challenges, he insisted that external forces—allegedly linked to the APC—are working to destabilize the party from within.
“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 stated.
Although he refrained from naming individuals allegedly used by the APC to undermine the PDP, he asserted that the party is aware of the ruling party’s interference and remains committed to resolving its internal conflicts.
