Nigeria’s ace comedian, Ali Baba, has shared alleged political strategies that former President Olusegun Obasanjo reportedly offered him in private chats on how to secure the country’s highest office.
During an interview on Outside The Box, the 59-year-old humorist and entertainer disclosed that Obasanjo, believing he was venturing into politics, took it upon himself to guide him on the intricacies of winning the Nigerian presidency. According to Ali Baba, the former president laid out the key political moves he believed were essential to clinching the top seat.
“I was speaking with Obasanjo one time, and he listed some things that are necessary in politics,” Ali Baba recalled, showing his phone as proof of the conversation. “He thought I was going into politics, so he was happy I was talking to him about it.”
One of the most striking points Obasanjo allegedly made was the importance of securing the support of seven state governors and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor. The list of states, according to the former president, includes Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna, and the CBN governor. When Ali Baba questioned the lack of financial power in Kano and Kaduna, Obasanjo was quick to clarify that their importance lay in their numbers.
“You need seven governors to win an election… The governors are key for the numbers,” Ali Baba paraphrased Obasanjo. “And you need 44 of the most popular senatorial districts.”
Ali Baba, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, further claimed that Obasanjo highlighted the importance of strategic appointments, especially within the judiciary, law enforcement, and key governmental bodies. He mentioned that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Controller-General of Customs, and NNPC head were among crucial positions that could tip the scales in a president’s favor.
The seasoned entertainer went on to share Obasanjo’s advice on how to cement a first term presidency for better chances of re-election. According to Ali Baba, the former president emphasized the need for the new leader to award several contracts early in their tenure, which could help sway public opinion.
“You need to have awarded 10 contracts, and 15% of those contracts can give you a marginal impact at the polls,” Ali Baba quoted Obasanjo. “You must award these contracts in your first year of office because if you don’t, you can’t ask the people for anything when elections come.”
Adding a controversial layer to his insights, Ali Baba revealed that Obasanjo allegedly advised steering clear of corrupt governors who had large “war chests” but could be useful when necessary. He explained that these former governors, with their financial clout and vast networks, could be invaluable allies.
“Don’t forget that some states, when they get their federal allocation, don’t touch it,” Ali Baba paraphrased Obasanjo’s advice. “They add to it because their state’s internally generated revenue is higher than what the federal government gives them.”
According to Ali Baba, Obasanjo also emphasized the need for a president to secure support from international powers such as the United States or China, as well as influential domestic figures like religious leaders, wealthy Nigerians, and even bloggers. He stressed the importance of infiltrating opposition parties and buying loyalty from delegates.
“Obasanjo said, infiltrate your opposition party and strategically influence delegates,” Ali Baba explained. “You need to get 10 of the richest Nigerians on your side, disrupt the opposition’s campaign, and ensure loyalty by offering incentives like jobs, trips, or other rewards.”
Ali Baba also described a particularly strategic move: gaining the loyalty of delegates before the election by helping their families and making them beholden to the campaign. He went on to describe how to secure influence over the media, the electoral body (INEC), and political party structures.
Obasanjo, according to Ali Baba, even advised making moves to sway bloggers, religious leaders, royal fathers, and constitutional lawyers in one’s favor to ensure electoral victory.
