Veteran Nigerian comedian and social commentator, Alibaba, has raised alarm over the skyrocketing cost of contesting for political office in Nigeria, warning that the financial demands are fuelling corruption and undermining public service.
In a video interview posted by @outsidethebox_nix on Instagram, Alibaba claimed that winning a senatorial seat now requires between N1.2 billion and N2 billion, depending on the zone and political dynamics.
“To win a senatorial seat is now between 1.2 billion, 1 or 2 billion. You need that to win a Senate seat,” he said, lamenting how political ambition has become a “capital-intensive project.”
The renowned entertainer, whose real name is Atunyota Akpobome, did not stop at the Senate. He went on to break down the staggering financial estimates for other elective offices in Nigeria.
According to him, a seat in the House of Representatives may cost up to N1 billion, while running for a position in a state House of Assembly could set a candidate back by about N500 million.
“To win House of Reps, you need another 1 billion. State House of Assembly, you need about 500 million to win that,” he stated.
Alibaba said the costs rise sharply for gubernatorial races, depending on the state.
Using specific states as examples, he said, “For Delta State, you need about 20 billion. For Rivers, you need about 25 billion. For some of those states in the North, maybe 4 or 5 or 6 billion.”
Alibaba said the excessive financial burden tied to contesting elections is what fuels rampant corruption in public office.
“It’s a capital-intensive project, which is what is driving the corruption in our country right now,” he said.
He explained that politicians often enter office not with the intention to serve but to recover their investments and prepare for the next election cycle.
“So, every time somebody is in office, it is not education the person is thinking. 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 added.
In 2022, major political parties pegged presidential nomination forms at N100 million for aspirants, drawing sharp criticism from many Nigerians.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has also lamented the influence of money in elections, warning that it poses a serious threat to democracy.
