The Director of Research of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Dr. Akin Fapounda, has claimed that money and political might may ultimately determine the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Fapounda made the assertion while speaking during a live television programme, where he discussed the dynamics likely to shape the forthcoming election.
According to him, the political structure and financial strength of major parties could significantly influence the electoral process, particularly if large financial resources are deployed during the campaign period.
He alleged that the 31 governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) could, in theory, channel resources from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) to influence the election outcome.
Fapounda suggested that dedicating several months of FAAC allocations could give the ruling party the financial leverage to dominate the electoral contest.
“We now have 31 governors who are in one basket; all they need to do is devote four months of FAAC allocation to buy whatever is ready to be bought,” he said.
He further alleged that vote-buying could increase significantly in future elections, with voters potentially receiving larger sums than what has been previously reported in past electoral cycles.
According to him, instead of the smaller inducements sometimes reported during elections, voters might be offered between N20,000 and N50,000 to secure their support.
“You can’t beat that. Any money that comes, even if it’s from the devil, people will take it,” he stated.
Fapounda also described elections in Nigeria as highly competitive contests where political actors often deploy every available strategy to secure victory.
He argued that political parties with greater resources and influence may enjoy an advantage over their rivals, particularly in intense electoral battles involving major parties such as the APC, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Meanwhile, Fapounda revealed that Afenifere has submitted proposals to the National Assembly advocating restructuring and the creation of a western Nigeria political entity.
He maintained that restructuring would not lead to anarchy but instead allow different regions to operate with greater autonomy.
According to him, the proposal would be voluntary and subject to a referendum process designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and broad public participation.
He added that the association believes restructuring remains an important step toward addressing governance challenges and strengthening Nigeria’s federal structure.
