Former Imo State Governor Achike Udenwa has claimed that money plays a decisive role in Nigerian politics, allowing politicians to buy their way into office.
Speaking on State Affairs, a political podcast hosted by journalist Edmund Obilo, Udenwa lamented the electorate’s failure to scrutinise candidates based on character and past records.
“We don’t ask such questions again,” he 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.”
When asked if politicians could purchase influence over the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and voters, he responded: “You can buy everybody.”
READ ALSO: Amaechi Drops Bombshell: Nigerian Politicians in Power to Steal, Kill, Control
He also criticised the calibre of leaders in Nigeria, saying the country’s administrative failures stem from unqualified individuals occupying key positions.
“You do all sorts of things to become governor. ‘I want to be minister, I want to be senator’ and the rest of them, but most of these people don’t have the quality of a leader,” he said.
“Square pegs in a round hole; that is part of the problems we have,” he added.
Udenwa argued that many politicians are drawn to public office solely for personal gain, warning that until this issue is tackled, Nigeria’s progress will remain stalled.