Money politics threatens credible leadership in Nigeria — Cross River APC chair
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Christopher Etta, has lamented the growing influence of money in Nigeria’s electoral process, saying it has become increasingly. . .
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, Christopher Etta, has lamented the growing influence of money in Nigeria’s electoral process, saying it has become increasingly difficult for voters to look beyond financial inducements when choosing leaders. Speaking during a media interaction in Calabar, Etta said political parties have no moral or legal basis to determine who should contest elections, stressing that every qualified aspirant deserves an equal opportunity to seek elective office. He noted that while parties provide the platform for candidates to emerge, the electorate often makes voting decisions based on monetary considerations rather than competence or character. “We have no ability to determine who runs and who doesn’t. Every qualified person has the right to contest. Unfortunately, we are in an environment where money has become a major factor in determining electoral outcomes,” he said. According to him, many voters are more inclined to support candidates who offer financial incentives, a development he described as one of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy. “It is difficult to convince people to reject money politics. Many will ask why they should support someone who has not offered them anything. That is the reality we face today,” he added. ALSO READ:Yobe govt approves ASUU allowances, orders payment of arrearsEtta argued that leadership should not be judged solely by eloquence, academic qualifications or physical appearance, but by a leader’s ability to assemble a competent team capable of delivering good governance. He also observed that Nigeria’s political system has yet to develop a strong ideological foundation, noting that this accounts for the frequent defections of politicians from one party to another. “Our politics is not yet ideology-driven. What we largely have are political platforms, and that is why people easily move from one party to another,” he said. The APC chairman, however, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s democracy would gradually evolve into one anchored on ideology rather than personal interests and financial influence, saying such a transition would strengthen governance and improve electoral outcomes. WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TVBack to School, Back to Business A Fresh StartRelationship Hangout: Public vs Private Proposals – Which Truly Wins in Love?“No” Is a Complete Sentence: Why You Should Stop Feeling GuiltyRelationship Hangout: Friendship Talk 2025 – How to Be a Good Friend & Big Questions on FriendshipPolice Overpower Armed Robbers in Ibadan After Fierce StruggleGet real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now