Veteran Nigerian comedian and social critic Ali Baba has disclosed the staggering financial cost of running for political office in Nigeria, describing politics in the country as a capital-intensive venture deeply driven by corruption.
Speaking on the Outside the Box Podcast, Ali Baba, who is well-acquainted with many political insiders, laid bare the estimated amounts required by aspirants seeking to secure various elective positions.
According to him, anyone vying for a Senate seat must be prepared to spend around ₦1.2 billion, while contesting for the House of Representatives could cost approximately ₦1 billion. Aspiring members of the State House of Assembly are expected to budget no less than ₦500 million.
The comedian also revealed the colossal sums needed for gubernatorial races. He stated that governorship contenders in Delta State may spend as much as ₦20 billion, while those eyeing the top seat in Rivers State might require up to ₦25 billion. For some northern states, campaign expenses are estimated to range between ₦4 billion and ₦6 billion.
“It’s a capital-intensive project, which is what is driving the corruption in our country right now,” Ali Baba said during the interview.
“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.”
Ali Baba’s revelation highlights widespread concerns that the excessive cost of Nigeria’s political system discourages genuine service-driven leadership, while encouraging self-enrichment and public fund misuse.
