Veteran comedian and social commentator, Ali Baba (real name Atunyota Akpobome), has raised alarms over the escalating cost of seeking political office in Nigeria, warning that the enormous financial demands are fueling corruption and distorting the essence of public service.
In a recent Instagram interview shared by @outsidethebox_nix, Ali Baba revealed that contesting for a seat in the Senate now requires between ₦1.2 billion and ₦2 billion, depending on the region and prevailing political dynamics.
“To win a Senate seat, you need between 1.2 and 2 billion naira,” he said. “It has become a capital-intensive project.”
He went on to outline estimated costs for other elective positions House of Representatives: Up to ₦1 billion, State House of Assembly: Around ₦500 million.
Governorship bids: Delta State: Approximately ₦20 billion, Rivers State: About ₦25 billion, Northern states: Between ₦4 billion and ₦6 billion.
Ali Baba emphasized that such exorbitant expenses turn public office into a business venture, where the goal becomes recouping investments rather than serving citizens.
“They’re not thinking about education or development. Except when it provides an opportunity to make money for the next election,” he added.
Referencing the 2022 presidential primaries, where nomination forms were sold for ₦100 million, the comedian criticized the major political parties for normalizing money politics.
He echoed similar warnings from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) about the threat financial influence poses to Nigeria’s democracy.
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