By Peace Udugba
Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and ex-member of the House of Representatives, Mojeed Alabi, has warned that the growing monetisation of Nigeria’s political system is undermining democratic values and making it increasingly difficult for competent and well-intentioned individuals to participate in governance.
Speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Alabi lamented that money has become the dominant factor in Nigeria’s politics, often taking precedence over competence, vision, and integrity.
According to him, the current political environment favours wealthy aspirants rather than capable leaders, creating a system that discourages individuals with genuine intentions from seeking public office.
“As an insider, I must tell you that as of today, our politics is too monetised. Because of the level of monetisation it has achieved, it has become very difficult for men of goodwill to want to go into the system. Those who have the resources often do not have the capacity, while those who have the capacity do not have the financial wherewithal,” he said.
Alabi argued that the imbalance between financial strength and leadership competence has transformed politics into a race for wealth accumulation rather than an avenue for public service.
He expressed concern that many politicians who spend enormous sums to secure elective positions often focus on recovering their investments once in office instead of serving the public.
“In my state, Osun, many of those seeking elective offices are not necessarily the best candidates. They are there because they can mobilise the resources required. Their first concern after assuming office is often how to recoup their money, not how to improve the system,” he said.
The former lawmaker also highlighted the rising cost of electioneering, revealing that some aspirants now spend hundreds of millions of naira pursuing political offices.
Recalling a recent conversation with a young aspirant, Alabi said he was shocked to learn that the individual had reportedly spent over ₦300 million on a bid for a seat in the House of Representatives.
“I asked myself where such money comes from. People who work hard for their money are unlikely to risk such huge sums on politics,” he stated.
Alabi maintained that excessive spending distorts the motivation for public service and discourages credible individuals from entering politics.
He further argued that efforts to strengthen internal democracy within political parties have, in some cases, deepened the influence of money in candidate selection processes.
According to him, party primaries are increasingly determined by financial power rather than transparent electoral outcomes.
“When primary elections are conducted, you sometimes cannot hear the results until they get to Abuja. A lot happens along the way, and a lot of money goes into the process,” he said.
The former Speaker called for urgent reforms to reduce the cost of political participation and strengthen internal democracy within political parties.
He urged political leaders, party executives, and members of the National Assembly to work towards making politics more accessible to citizens with innovative ideas rather than those with deep pockets.
“They must find a way of demonetising the process, making participation in politics less of a shortcut to wealth and more attractive to people who may not have the funds but have ideas that can improve society,” he said.
ALABI REJECTS SIX- YEAR SINGLE TENURE PROPOSAL:
Meanwhile, Alabi dismissed calls for a single six-year tenure for presidents and governors, describing the proposal as unnecessary and potentially harmful to good governance.
He argued that governance should be assessed through performance and accountability rather than alterations to tenure arrangements.
According to him, the current four-year renewable term provides citizens with an opportunity to evaluate elected leaders and either renew their mandate or vote them out of office.
“As far as I am concerned, what is important is good governance. If the current four-year tenure helps us assess whether a leader is performing well and allows us to renew that mandate, then it should remain,” he said.
Alabi maintained that competent leaders should not be denied the opportunity to serve a second term if voters are satisfied with their performance.
“I believe we should retain the system as it is so that citizens can determine whether someone is doing well and should continue in office, or if they are not performing and should be removed. However, this must be based on free, fair and credible elections,” he added.
