Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Atunyota Akpobome, better known as Alibaba, has revealed some of the Political strategies he claims were shared with him by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on how to win a presidential election in Nigeria.
He made this known on Saturday, April 6, 2025, during an interview on the Outside the Box Podcast, which aired on YouTube.
According to Alibaba, Obasanjo believed he was entering politics and decided to “school” him on how Nigerian elections are really won from securing governors to striking deals with powerful individuals and controlling key national institutions.
“Ali, I’m happy you’re catching up with politics but you still have a lot to learn, like how you get governors and presidents elected,” Alibaba quoted Obasanjo as saying.
The veteran comedian, who once served as a government advisor and public affairs analyst, said Obasanjo listed seven key governors a serious presidential candidate must win over, Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Kano, Kaduna and the CBN governor.
He explained that Obasanjo stressed the importance of “numbers and money”, saying some states offer population strength while others bring financial muscle.
“You need seven governors to win an election… Then I said Kano and Kaduna don’t have money, he said that is for numbers, and what is money? That is numbers too.”
Alibaba added that Obasanjo advised presidential hopefuls to award at least 10 major contracts in their first year in office and use them as leverage during elections.
“You must award this contract in your first year… when it’s time for elections you just tell them, ‘Do you want to continue this contract or…?’”
The conversation, according to Alibaba, also touched on the importance of having control over top government appointments.
Obasanjo reportedly listed key offices that should be controlled early: the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Inspector-General of Police, Comptroller-General of Customs, NNPC head, and Central Bank Governor.
“You must suspend pending cases of corrupt past governors who are loaded,” Alibaba quoted Obasanjo.
He explained that these former governors hold large “war chests” financial reserves that can sway campaigns and should not be ignored, even if they have EFCC cases.
“Don’t forget that those guys have chests, war chests… no matter how much EFCC milks from them, they still have plenty.”
Alibaba said Obasanjo’s strategy also included international influence, mass mobilisation, and disrupting opposition structures.
He was told to seek support from global superpowers like the US or China, rally groups like students, market women, NURTW, and unsettle organised labour.
“Get US or China support because of their businesses in your country… get NANS, market women, NURTW. Unsettle organised labour… Get 10 of the richest Nigerians on your side.”
Obasanjo, according to Alibaba, also advised infiltrating opposition parties, buying off delegates a year before congresses, and encouraging defections before elections.
