By Dr Ezeafurukwe Paul Ịhụnanya, Owerri.
Nigeria’s staggering democracy is speedily tilting towards the rich taking charge of the whole electoral processes in their different political parties. Plutocracy as it is has never been known to us as one of the ethos of democracy and how our politicians are breeding this monstrous act remains a wonder.
Vote buying or merchandising, no matter how it is christened has militated against the will of the people as well worked against the socio-development of a people. This is mostly done by political desperadoes who lack all it takes to win elections either at the primaries or general elections and feel that moneybag politics is the way to go.
Delegates and electorates have made themselves vulnerable to these political merchants that they now see it as money for "business as usual," thus a transaction that benefits both parties.
Worse still, delegates and electorates now prioritize highest bider over competence and hardwork thereby voting only the candidates with deep pockets.
Recently, the PDP lost its frontline Presidential candidate and former Governor of Anambra state, Mr. Peter Obi in what he summarily described as not ready to play the money politics which goes against everything he stands for and his principles. This revelation, in the eyes of the average Nigerian, may have exposed the political naivety of Peter Obi but to many it is an open secret known to everybody and when you them shout “PDP!!!"… "share the money" rents the air.
Across the nation, PDP primary elections have been characterized and marred by vote buying while some politicians may have achieved their purpose of clinching the party ticket others are resigning in droves, counting their losses and holding grudges against the party for encouraging the daylight robbery of their mandates.
The PDP Special National Convention holding in Abuja which will see to the election of her Presidential flag-bearer has been adjudged to rain dollars. This is because many have narrowed the contest a two-horse race between the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, though other contenders exist. These two gladiators are known to throw dollars for votes and one of them has been spiting fire and brimstone and no doubt backed up by state Petro-Dollar. A situation of money for money and bragging rights for bragging rights.
Available information from the Velodrome of the M.K.O Abiola National Stadium, Abuja confirms that it has been raining dollars ranging from $10,000-$50,000 and most shocking of it is the bazaar of vote buying where the highest bidder takes it home.
These inglorious acts by the moneybags have in no small measure robbed not just the youths of inclusion in governance but the nation of quality leaders that can offer selfless service and has continued to enthrone the rich demagogues.
PDP and likewise every other party involved in these criminal act should know that they are mortgaging the future of the nation and even generations yet unborn as these desperadoes will continue to amass wealth for the purpose of buying off delegates and electorates and will continue to remain in power.
It may not be too late for the PDP to change this ugly trend the are known for. They can, at least, as an Opposition party, set the pace for others to follow and they should as a matter of urgency look inwards to make sure that moneybags in the party do not have a field day as to determine who gets what and when in the party especially during this special elective convention else they will spend more to lose the general election.
