Veteran journalist and politician Dele Momodu recently exposed a significant bribery scandal linked to the 2023 presidential primaries, claiming that a former candidate allegedly spent a staggering $23.2 million to secure delegate support. According to Momodu, the candidate distributed $30,000 to each of the 774 delegates, highlighting the deep-rooted monetization within Nigeria’s political landscape.
In a candid conversation on the Key to Keys podcast, the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant shared his disillusionment with the current political climate. Reflecting on his own experience, he dismissed any intention to run again in 2027, stating that the influence of money in politics is overwhelming. “Experience is the best teacher,” Momodu remarked, explaining that he could only consider another run if a major political party endorsed him through consensus, as competing financially with wealthy candidates is nearly impossible.
Momodu revealed that he spent ₦50 million on his own presidential campaign, only to leave the race without a single delegate vote. “That money could have been used for something substantial, like buying a property,” he said, regretting the extent to which financial power determines political outcomes. He emphasized how the ability of top contenders to mobilize massive funds renders most candidates powerless. According to him, these contenders have “unbeatable” financial resources, with some accessing large amounts of untraceable cash, especially those with links to Nigeria’s oil wealth.
The journalist also criticized the powerful political elites he believes dominate the country’s political scene, referring to them as “principalities” who wield unchecked control over Nigeria’s democratic process. This concentration of wealth and influence, he argued, creates a system resistant to change and makes it challenging for those without extensive financial resources to compete.
Despite the setbacks, Momodu said he does not regret his decisions but stressed the need for deep, systemic reform. His revelations have sparked renewed discussions about the role of money in Nigerian politics, with many calling for urgent electoral reforms to prevent further corruption and ensure a more equitable political process. The insights shed light on the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy, as citizens continue to debate the impact of wealth on political integrity and the importance of making the electoral process fairer for all candidates.
