Why Ndi Anambra South Must Demonetize Politics in 2025, By Barr. Peter Ekwueme

The influence of money in politics in Anambra South might seem harmless but one fact that even the persons that have benefited from monetized politics will always agree with is that Money Politics has long been a major setback in Anambra South Politics, and it is crucial to de-monetize the system for several reasons:

a) Meritocracy and Competence

Money politics prioritizes financial power over competence, integrity, and vision. This means that qualified and capable leaders are sidelined in favor of those who can afford to buy their way into office. How do we ensure that leadership positions are won based on ideas, credibility, and the ability to serve rather than personal wealth? Simple. Let’s look beyond the smokes and mirrors of money “capacity” and look towards merit and competence.

b) Corruption and Political Exploitation

That your Aspirant that is spending from London to Kafanchan and promising more money to secure victory definitely sees his positions as an investment but that is not the issue here, the real question is how do you think he intends to recover his funds if he wins? Do you think he will spend all that money and still be able to account to you openly? If he spends 3 Billion Naira, do you think he’ll just loot only 3 Billion of your constituency funds? How much is the cost of your impoverishment and that of your family? Ndi Anambra South can we prioritize public service rather than temporary meager personal enrichment on this election?

c) Grassroots Participation and Youth Involvement

With this level of over monetized politicking in Anambra South, how can young people and those without financial influence participate? You, as a young person that is excited about how the Aspirant can spend, what are your thoughts about your own future and contributions? Can you really ever have a seat at the table if this money standard is maintained? What about fresh ideas and innovations in governance, how do we create a level playing field where competent youths and professionals can contest and contribute meaningfully to governance? Crucial questions that require honest deep reflection as you choose your candidate.

d) Political Accountability

If elections are driven by policies and credibility, elected officials will be more accountable to the people, knowing that their reelection depends on performance, not financial power. Sadly, due to the deficit in Credibility, yearly open audited accounting is one manifesto you’re your money bag Aspirant can NEVER promise, and the reasons are obvious.

e) Electoral Violence

As you are putting up your support and vote for sale for immediate financial gain, hope you are willing to sacrifice the long-term development? Do you know that the man you are taking his money can also use threat of violence or actual violence to make you pay back when he doesn’t have his way? As an Anambra South citizen, I beg you, for your sake and that of your children, promote peaceful, credible, and transparent elections.

f) Sustainable Development

Umu Nnem Ndi Anambra South, Leaders who emerge through money politics focus on short-term, self-serving gains rather than sustainable policies and programs. De-monetizing politics allows leaders to focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation, rather than spending public funds on political patronage and maintaining personal influence. Can we try modest, credible, passionate leaders for a change? Can we give our mandate to an individual that can account openly to us? Ka aguo aguo wee kee..

The Way Forward?

As individuals and as a people, despite the hunger in the land, we must make this Senatorial Bye-Election campaign an issue-based campaign because we simply cannot afford the after agony of electing the wrong candidate. We cannot vote in incompetent individual to represent us at the Senate because of 5,000 Naira, not in 2025. That will be very unfortunate.

As a young professional, I have fought, from years before any political intentions, for open yearly audited accounting of the financials of Anambra South political offices.

As a Senatorial Aspirant under the New Nigeria People’s Party, I am stating on record that, if elected, I will publish all financial records yearly for the consideration of the electorate. This is very important and foremost to me than any other campaign promises because sustainable development cannot happen without accountability and transparency. The grassroots deserve to be part of decision making process and must know how their funds and commonwealth are applied.

Barr. Peter Ekwueme (Ife Ndi Anambra)

Senatorial Aspirant