National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Former Governor Achike Udenwa of Imo State has exposed the dark underbelly of Nigeria’s electoral process, stating that elections can be bought by those with deep pockets.
Speaking on the podcast “State Affairs,” Udenwa lamented the pervasive influence of money in Nigerian politics, where votes are seemingly up for sale to the highest bidder .
Udenwa, who governed Imo State from 1999 to 2007, expressed his disappointment at the current state of affairs, where a candidate’s character, antecedents, and qualifications take a backseat to their financial muscle.
“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,” he said.
The former governor’s comments also touched on the alleged susceptibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to influence.
When asked if politicians could buy their way through the electoral process, Udenwa responded bluntly, “You can buy everybody.”
Udenwa, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, also pointed fingers at the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the ongoing crisis within the PDP.
While acknowledging internal challenges, he maintained that external forces were exacerbating the party’s instability.
The implications of Udenwa’s statements are far-reaching, highlighting the need for electoral reform and a renewed focus on the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.
As the country navigates its complex political landscape, the voices of concerned citizens like Udenwa must be heard and heeded.
