How Politicians Use Money to Buy Power in Nigeria - Ex-Gov Udenwa Exposes Shocking Reality

In a startling revelation, former Imo State Governor, Achike Udenwa, has declared that Nigerian politicians can buy their way into power if they have the right amount of money, further casting doubts on the credibility of elections and the democratic process in the country.

Udenwa made this claim during an interview on State Affairs, a political podcast hosted by journalist Edmund Obilo. In an excerpt of the episode released on Saturday, the former governor lamented the decline of electoral integrity in Nigeria, asserting that money has replaced merit in political contests.

According to Udenwa, the electorate no longer prioritizes the character, competence, or past records of politicians, making it easy for those with deep pockets to buy their way into office.

"We don't ask such questions anymore,ÔÇØ Udenwa said. "And, of course, even if I don't vote for you, you can buy your way through if you have the right amount of money.ÔÇØ

When asked whether politicians could use money to influence the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, the army, and the electorate, the former governor gave a blunt response: "Money can buy everybody.ÔÇØ

His statement raises serious concerns about the neutrality of electoral institutions and the integrity of democracy in Nigeria, suggesting that elections may be nothing more than a transaction where the highest bidder wins.

Udenwa also took a swipe at the quality of leadership in the country, blaming the political system for allowing incompetent individuals to take up leadership positions.

"You do all sorts of things to become governor-'I want to be a minister, I want to be a senator'-but most of these people don't have the qualities of a leader,ÔÇØ he stated.

His remarks echo growing frustrations among Nigerians who feel that corruption, electoral fraud, and money politics have robbed the country of effective leadership.

With Udenwa's revelation, many Nigerians are left questioning: Is democracy in Nigeria for sale to the highest bidder? If money determines election outcomes, what hope is there for genuine democracy, accountability, and good governance