Former Imo Governor Achike Udenwa Dismisses Integrity of Nigeria’s Electoral Process

In a candid and sobering assessment of Nigeria’s democratic framework, Achike Udenwa, the former governor of Imo State, has publicly cast doubt on the credibility of the nation’s electoral system. Udenwa, who served as governor from 1999 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently voiced concerns that the mechanisms meant to ensure free and fair elections have been irreparably compromised. His remarks, delivered during a recent public appearance, highlight a growing disillusionment with Nigeria’s democracy, particularly as the country prepares for future electoral cycles.

A System Undermined by Corruption

Udenwa’s critique centers on what he perceives as the pervasive influence of money and power in Nigerian elections. According to the former governor, the electoral process has devolved into a transactional affair where victory is not determined by the will of the people but by the depth of a candidate’s pockets. “Our elections are no longer about votes or ideas,” Udenwa reportedly said. “They’re about who can buy the most influence—be it from the electoral commission, security agencies, or even the voters themselves.” This stark assertion paints a grim picture of a system where integrity has been supplanted by opportunism.

Nigeria’s electoral history has long been marred by allegations of rigging, voter intimidation, and institutional bias. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), tasked with overseeing elections, has frequently faced criticism for its handling of polls, with accusations ranging from logistical failures to outright complicity in fraud. Udenwa’s comments amplify these concerns, suggesting that the problem is not merely a matter of isolated incidents but a systemic rot that undermines the democratic process at every level.

The Role of Money in Politics

The former governor’s remarks resonate with a broader narrative about the monetization of Nigerian politics. In a country where poverty remains widespread—over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line, according to recent estimates—vote-buying has become a disturbingly common practice. Candidates and their supporters often distribute cash, food, or other incentives to sway voters, exploiting economic hardship to secure loyalty. Udenwa pointed to this trend as a symptom of deeper societal issues, lamenting that Nigerians have stopped scrutinizing the character or competence of those seeking office. “We don’t ask what you can do or who you are anymore,” he noted. “It’s all about what you can pay.”

This commercialization extends beyond the electorate to the institutions meant to safeguard democracy. Udenwa alleged that agencies like INEC, the police, and even the military can be co-opted by wealthy politicians willing to invest in their success. While he offered no specific evidence to support this claim, his words echo sentiments expressed by other political figures and observers who have decried the ease with which Nigeria’s electoral machinery can be manipulated. The 2023 general elections, for instance, were plagued by reports of ballot box snatching, voter suppression, and irregularities in result transmission—issues that fueled public outrage and legal challenges.

A Reflection on Leadership Quality

Beyond the mechanics of elections, Udenwa’s critique touches on the quality of leadership emerging from this flawed system. He argued that the current crop of Nigerian leaders lacks the vision and capability to address the nation’s pressing challenges, from insecurity to economic stagnation. “Most of our leaders today are products of this broken process,” he said. “They’re not there because they’re the best among us, but because they could afford to be there.” This observation raises uncomfortable questions about the long-term consequences of a democracy driven by financial clout rather than merit.

Udenwa’s tenure as governor offers a point of comparison. During his eight years in office, he was credited with efforts to strengthen grassroots governance, including conducting local government elections to decentralize power. While his administration was not without its controversies—most notably his 2016 arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged campaign fund misuse—Udenwa’s reflections suggest a belief that the political landscape has deteriorated significantly since his time in office.

Implications for Nigeria’s Future

As Nigeria looks ahead to its next electoral cycle, Udenwa’s remarks serve as both a warning and a call to action. The 2027 general elections loom on the horizon, and without meaningful reforms, the cycle of distrust and dysfunction risks repeating itself. The former governor’s skepticism aligns with growing public frustration, evidenced by low voter turnout in recent elections and widespread apathy among the youth, who feel disenfranchised by a system that seems impervious to change.

Analysts argue that addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach. Strengthening INEC’s independence, perhaps through constitutional amendments to insulate it from political interference, could be a starting point. Enhanced transparency in election funding, coupled with stricter penalties for vote-buying, might also curb the influence of money. Yet, Udenwa’s comments imply that the problem runs deeper than policy fixes—it’s a cultural shift away from accountability that has taken root in Nigerian society.

A Voice from Experience

Udenwa’s critique carries weight not only because of his experience as a former governor but also due to his long-standing involvement in Nigerian politics. A member of the PDP’s Board of Trustees, he has witnessed the evolution of the country’s democratic experiment since the return to civilian rule in 1999. His disillusionment mirrors that of other elder statesmen who have expressed alarm at the direction of Nigeria’s democracy, though few have been as blunt in their assessment.

For the people of Imo State, where Udenwa once governed, his words may strike a particular chord. The state has seen its share of electoral controversies, most notably the 2019 Supreme Court decision that installed Hope Uzodinma as governor despite his initial fourth-place finish in the polls—a ruling that remains a lightning rod for debate. Such episodes lend credence to Udenwa’s assertion that Nigeria’s electoral outcomes are too often determined by factors beyond the ballot box.

A Call for Reflection

As of March 2, 2025, Udenwa’s statements have sparked discussions across political circles and social media platforms, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments while others call for concrete solutions. His dismissal of the electoral process as irredeemable is a provocative stance, but it underscores a broader crisis of confidence in Nigeria’s democracy. Whether his words will galvanize reform or simply deepen cynicism remains to be seen.

For now, the former governor’s critique stands as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic journey. With faith in the electoral system waning, the onus falls on citizens, leaders, and institutions to confront these issues head-on—or risk a future where democracy exists in name only, overshadowed by the power of wealth and influence.