Oloruntobi Alabi
Renowned Nigerian comedy legend Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has pulled back the curtain on the staggering financial demands of securing political offices in Nigeria.
The iconic humorist dropped these bombshell revelations during a candid discussion about systemic corruption plaguing Nigeria’s political landscape.
In an eye-opening interview on the OUTSIDE THE BOX podcast, the well-connected entertainer disclosed jaw-dropping figures: a Senate seat goes for N1.2 billion, while governorship campaigns demand a whopping N20 to N25 billion in oil-rich states.
Ali Baba painted a grim picture of Nigerian politics as a high-stakes financial battleground where money, not merit, determines electoral success.
The comedy veteran didn’t hold back, accusing politicians of prioritizing revenue-generating schemes over genuine public service, only investing in projects that can be monetized come election season.
“The price tags are shocking,” he revealed. “Senate campaigns burn through N1.2 billion, House of Representatives races cost N1 billion, while State Assembly seats require N500 million just to compete.”
“Governorship bids vary wildly – Delta State demands N20 billion, Rivers State N25 billion, while some northern states might ‘only’ need N4-6 billion,” he continued.
“This financial arms race has become Nigeria’s corruption engine. Once in office, leaders aren’t focused on education or infrastructure – they’re strategizing how to recoup their massive investments before the next election cycle,” Ali Baba concluded.
Watch the explosive interview below:
Osas Aikhomu
