Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa claims Nigerian elections can be bought, alleging that INEC, the police, and the army can be influenced by politicians with enough money.
Former Governor of Imo State, Achike Udenwa, has made a shocking revelation about Nigeria’s electoral system, claiming that elections in the country can be bought by politicians with enough money. He alleged that key institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the police, and the army, could be influenced through financial inducements.
Udenwa made these assertions while speaking on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo. He expressed deep concern over the increasing role of money in Nigeria’s democratic process, lamenting how the integrity of elections has been severely compromised.
According to the former governor, the fundamental question of a candidate’s competence, track record, and character is no longer a major factor for voters. Instead, financial power plays a dominant role in determining electoral success.
“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 your antecedents are, or what type of character you have. We don’t ask such questions anymore,” Udenwa stated.
He further alleged that even when voters choose not to support a particular 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 added.
When asked directly whether politicians could buy INEC, the police, the army, and even the electorate, Udenwa’s response was blunt:
“You can buy everybody.”
Achike Udenwa
This statement underscores the deep-rooted concerns about corruption in Nigeria’s electoral system, where money appears to override the will of the people. The implications of this claim are significant, as they suggest that democratic processes in the country may be largely determined by financial muscle rather than genuine voter choice.
Udenwa further warned that Nigeria’s elections have become increasingly transactional, with candidates using their financial resources to secure victory rather than relying on credibility or the electorate’s support. He emphasized the need for urgent reforms to curb the monetization of the electoral system and restore integrity to Nigeria’s democracy.
As a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, Udenwa also addressed the internal crisis plaguing his party. While acknowledging that the PDP has its own internal issues, he claimed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has been actively fueling the instability 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.
Udenwa alleged that the PDP is aware of APC’s involvement in the crisis but declined to reveal the names of individuals allegedly being used to destabilize the party.
Udenwa’s claims have once again brought to the forefront the urgent need for electoral reforms in Nigeria. The monetization of elections has long been a problem, but if institutions such as INEC, the police, and the army can be easily influenced by financial power, it raises serious concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
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As the country moves toward future elections, political analysts and civil society organizations are calling for more stringent measures to prevent vote-buying and undue influence in the electoral process. Strengthening INEC’s independence, improving security agency neutrality, and enforcing stricter campaign finance laws are among the steps recommended to ensure that elections reflect the true will of the people.
The allegations made by former Governor Achike Udenwa highlight the deep challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. If indeed elections can be bought and institutions manipulated, the essence of free and fair elections is at risk.
