Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has declared that politicians with enough money can buy their way to victory in Nigerian elections, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), police, and army can be influenced by financial power.
Speaking on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Udenwa lamented that Nigerians no longer scrutinize the character and competence of candidates. Instead, he claimed, elections have become transactional, where money dictates outcomes.
“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 directly if politicians could buy INEC, the police, and the army, he responded, “You can buy everybody.”
Udenwa warned that unless this practice is curbed, Nigeria will continue to produce leaders who lack vision and integrity.
On the internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Udenwa blamed external interference, particularly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), for fueling divisions within the opposition party.
“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, refusing to name those allegedly involved.
Udenwa’s remarks add to ongoing concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process and the role of money in shaping political outcomes.
