By Jonah Israel
The integrity of Nigeria's electoral process has been called into question by former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa. In a recent interview on Edmund Obilo's State Affairs podcast, Udenwa alleged that the country's electoral system is vulnerable to manipulation by politicians with deep pockets.
According to Udenwa, the influence of money in Nigerian politics has reached a alarming level, where key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army can be swayed. This, he believes, undermines the very fabric of democracy and the ability of credible leaders to emerge.
"The society has grown to 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," Udenwa lamented.
He further emphasized that even when 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 stated.
When asked if politicians could buy INEC, the police, the army, and even the electorate, Udenwa's response was stark: "You can buy everybody." This assertion underscores the perception that Nigeria's electoral process has become a transactional process, where the highest bidder holds the most influence.
Udenwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, also pointed fingers at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for fueling the ongoing crisis within the PDP. While acknowledging internal challenges within the PDP, he maintained that external forces were contributing to the party's instability.
"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.
The implications of Udenwa's assertions are far-reaching, highlighting the need for electoral reform and greater transparency in Nigeria's political process. As the country navigates its democratic journey, it is imperative that stakeholders work towards creating a more level playing field, where the integrity of the electoral process is paramount.
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