Comedian Ali Baba has revealed how much each Nigerian political seat costs.
While addressing the pervasive corruption in Nigerian politics and among the country's elite, Ali Baba made the revelation.
According to Ali Baba, a Nigerian political insider, who spoke on the OUTSIDE THE BOX podcast, a senate seat can cost as much as N1.2 billion, and a governorship can cost as much as N20 to N25 billion in some states.
He said that corruption in Nigeria is fuelling the country's political system, which is a capital-intensive endeavour.
The legendary comic went on to say that political leaders in Nigeria are primarily concerned with projects that would bring in money for themselves to use during election season, rather than with the needs of the people.
A sum of N1.2 billion is now required to secure the senate seat. Being elected to the Senate requires either N1 or 2bn. Another $1 billion is required to win a house of representatives.
House of Assembly of the State, you require N500 million. The state determines who becomes governor.
About N20 billion is required for Delta State, while 25 billion is required for Rivers. Perhaps four, five, or six billion naira for some of those northern states.
So, it's a capital-intensive undertaking, and that's the main reason why our nation is currently corrupt.
"So, whenever someone is in office, they aren't thinking about education—unless, of course, their education policy will bring in campaign cash," he revealed.
Thanks for reading: Ali Baba reveals the high cost of Nigerian politics: N1.2 billion to secure a senate seat