Veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba has sparked conversation after revealing the massive costs involved in securing political positions in the country.
He shared these shocking figures during a recent interview on the OUTSIDE THE BOX podcast, where he openly discussed corruption in Nigerian politics.
Ali Baba, a respected entertainer and social commentator, said Nigerian politics has turned into a money-driven game. According to him, running for any major political office now requires billions of naira, figures that put the political process far out of reach for everyday citizens.
Senate seat costs over ₦1 billion
During the podcast, Ali Baba claimed that a candidate needs at least ₦1.2 billion to win a seat in the Nigerian Senate.
“To win a senatorial seat today, you need between ₦1.2 billion and ₦2 billion,” he said. “If you’re aiming for the House of Representatives, you’ll need around ₦1 billion.”
Even at the state level, the comedian said the situation isn’t much better. He explained that contesting for a seat in a State House of Assembly can cost about ₦500 million. These figures, he stressed, show that politics in Nigeria is no longer a platform for public service, but a business venture for the rich and powerful.
Governorship campaigns run into tens of billions
The cost of running for governor, according to Ali Baba, varies by state. Some states are more expensive than others, but the required funds are still shockingly high.
“In Delta State, you may need up to ₦20 billion,” he said. “In Rivers State, it could go as high as ₦25 billion. In some northern states, the cost is slightly lower, maybe around ₦4 to ₦6 billion, but it’s still too much.”
These numbers, he explained, demonstrate that Nigeria’s political system is designed to favour those with deep pockets. He called it a “capital-intensive project” that pushes politicians to recover their campaign investments once they are in office.
Corruption fueled by high campaign costs
Ali Baba argued that these heavy financial demands are a major reason behind widespread corruption in government. Politicians, he said, enter office with one goal in mind—to make back the money they spent during the campaign.
“When people win elections, they don’t think about education or healthcare,” he said. “They only care about projects that can give them money they can use when the next election comes.”
He explained that most leaders are more interested in awarding contracts that benefit them personally. These projects are often designed to funnel money back into the pockets of politicians and their allies, rather than serve the needs of the people.
A system that ignores the people
Ali Baba also criticised leaders for neglecting public welfare. According to him, Nigerian politicians only focus on infrastructure and development when they see financial gain.
He said, “They are not interested in solving real problems. They are not thinking about how to improve schools or hospitals unless they can make money from it.”
This mindset, he warned, has made it difficult for the country to progress. Instead of building a better future for citizens, many politicians are busy preparing for the next election cycle and the money they need to stay in power.
Call for reform
Ali Baba’s comments have added to growing public frustration with Nigeria’s political system. Many citizens feel that the country needs serious reforms to reduce corruption and open the door for honest leadership.
Experts say that reducing the cost of running for office is key to cleaning up the system. Until then, political power will likely remain in the hands of the wealthy few, while the needs of ordinary Nigerians continue to be ignored.
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