Systemic Corruption Blocks Youth in Politics, Says Ex-PDP Aspirant Anakwenze, Urges Overhaul Ahead of 2027

Former PDP presidential aspirant Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze (Onowu Abagana) has decried Nigeria’s entrenched political corruption and tribalism as the primary barriers preventing talented youths from reshaping the nation’s governance. During a candid interview on Silverbird Television’s News Hub, the medical practitioner and statesman recounted his own thwarted presidential bid, alleging that financial bribes, not ideas, dictate Nigeria’s political outcomes, while urging systemic reforms to empower youth ahead of the 2027 elections.

Dr. Anakwenze, who contested the PDP presidential primaries in the last election cycle, revealed stark challenges faced by reform-driven candidates. “Aspirants who stole public funds distributed bags of cash— $20,000,$ 5000 dollars—to delegates. Those of us with ideas were ignored,” he stated, lamenting a system that prioritizes “wads of dollars” over visionary policies. “This is the hurdle young Nigerians face. Until we dismantle this corruption, tribal, and religious bias, Nigeria cannot progress.”

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When asked if youth-led party wings enable political participation, Anakwenze praised Nigerian youths as “globally competitive,” citing diaspora successes like a Yoruba Nigerian appointed Deputy Treasurer under the Biden administration. “The problem isn’t our youth—it’s our leaders,” he asserted. “Hunger and underdevelopment persist because governance rewards greed, not talent. Look at China: disciplined leadership transformed them into a global power. We’re endowed with resources yet ‘carry last’ among nations.”

Addressing solutions, Anakwenze urged youths to “start small” by gaining education, skills, and entrepreneurial experience before entering politics. “In the U.S., youths begin locally—city councils, state assemblies. Our youths must build capital and credibility step-by-step,” he advised, while pledging to mentor a new generation. “I’m working to hand power to young Nigerians. They’re our hope to reclaim the Black world’s dignity and compete in AI, space—not just fight hunger.”

The interview concluded with a stark warning: without systemic cleansing and youth investment, Nigeria risks squandering its demographic potential. “We’re talking about Mars while others colonize it,” Anakwenze remarked. “2027 must be a turning point.”