By Joe Ephraim, Calaba
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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 platforms 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 run. 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
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Etta 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 is 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
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Etta also disclosed that committees set up for the exercise had largely completed their assignments, with reports from the northern and southern zones already submitted while the central zone was expected to conclude its process.
He maintained that the party would continue engaging members to address grievances arising from the congresses
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“The congresses are not the end of the process. We will continue to engage our members because they remain an integral part of the APC,” he said.
