Money Can Buy Elections in Nigeria, Says Ex-Governor Udenwa

Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has alleged that elections in Nigeria can be bought, with politicians using money to influence key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army. Speaking on the *State Affairs* podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Udenwa expressed concern over the role of money in Nigeria’s electoral process, arguing that competence and character are no longer major factors in winning elections.

“Our society has reached a stage where people no longer ask about a candidate’s antecedents or character. The question now is: How much money do you have?” Udenwa stated. He further claimed that even if voters refuse to support a candidate, elections can still be won through financial influence. “Even if I don’t vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money,” he said.

When asked if politicians could purchase the loyalty of INEC officials, security forces, and even the electorate, Udenwa responded bluntly: “You can buy everybody.” He warned that elections in Nigeria have become a transactional process, emphasizing that the trend must be curbed to ensure credible leadership.

The former governor, who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of exacerbating internal conflicts within the PDP. While admitting that the opposition party has its own challenges, he alleged that external forces were working to destabilize it.

“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. However, he declined to name specific individuals allegedly being used to undermine the party.