Veteran entertainer Ali Baba has pulled back the curtain on Nigeria’s political financing crisis during a revealing interview on the Outside the Box podcast. The comedian, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, shared shocking details about what it truly costs to run for office in Africa’s most populous nation.
“It’s a capital-intensive project, which is what is driving the corruption in our country right now,” Ali Baba stated bluntly. Drawing from his extensive connections in political circles, he broke down the eye-watering sums required for various positions.
According to his revelations, aspiring senators must prepare war chests of about N1.2 billion, while those eyeing the House of Representatives need approximately N1 billion. For state-level politics, securing a State House of Assembly seat comes with a N500 million price tag.
Read Also: Davido Announces White Wedding, Chivido Part 2
The figures become even more staggering for gubernatorial races. Ali Baba disclosed that in Delta State, candidates might spend up to N20 billion, while Rivers State could demand N25 billion. Some northern states present relatively lower but still substantial costs between N4 billion to N6 billion.
The comedian didn’t shy away from explaining the consequences of this system. “Anytime somebody is in office, the person is not thinking of education, except if whatever he wants to do in education will provide some money that they can leverage on when the time for election comes,” he said, highlighting how governance often takes a backseat to financial recovery.
