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Nigerian Civil rights activist Steven Nhyira Odarteifio has argued that Africa’s political delegate system has fuelled corruption, weakened democracy and produced leaders who rely more on money than merit.
Speaking on News Central TV’s programme A Place at the Table, where panellists discussed “Is the System Rigged: Power Dynamics in Africa?”, Odarteifio said the structure of political parties across many African countries is one of the biggest obstacles to good governance.
He claimed that vote buying during party primaries has become widespread, with many delegates allegedly expecting financial rewards before supporting candidates.
“What we have come to know as the delegate system… is heavily dapped with vote buying,” he said.
According to him, about 90 percent of delegates in Ghana’s political parties are young people, many of whom are allegedly influenced by money rather than the quality of candidates.
“It’s a non-negotiable that they must be sorted before they even contemplate wanting to listen to you or even vote for you,” Odarteifio said.
He argued that the system allows financially powerful politicians to emerge as leaders, even when they may not be the most qualified.
“We see that trickling effect in electing leaders who are not capable but only have resources,” he added.
Beyond politics, Odarteifio called for stronger economic and technological integration across Africa.
He questioned why travellers still have to change SIM cards when moving between neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, despite the presence of regional telecommunications companies.
“I don’t understand why between Ghana, Togo, Benin and Nigeria, we can’t have a system where I don’t have to change my SIM card,” he said.
He urged African governments to work together to improve cross-border communication and digital services, saying such reforms would accelerate regional integration.
Odarteifio also highlighted the challenges of sending money across African countries, saying he struggled to transfer funds from Ghana to Nigeria because of limited payment options.
He maintained that Africa’s leadership challenges are rooted in political systems that reward financial influence over competence, adding that meaningful reforms are needed to strengthen democracy and promote regional cooperation.
“…politics even from the grassroots…is rigged..”@nhyiraodat says the widespread practice of vote buying during party primaries has weakened democracy across Africa by favouring wealthy candidates over more competent leaders. pic.twitter.com/45R3OrQanM
— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) July 23, 2026
