The Director of Research at the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, Akin Fapounda, has claimed that money and political influence may ultimately determine the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during a live television appearance in Ado-Ekiti, Fapounda alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress could leverage the strength of its governors and financial resources to influence the polls.
According to him, the party currently has 31 governors and could potentially channel several months of Federation Account Allocation Committee allocations to fund election activities.
“We now have 31 governors who are in one basket; all they need to do is devote about four months of FAAC allocations to buy whatever is ready to be bought,” he said.
Fapounda further alleged that voters might receive higher sums than the usual inducements recorded in previous elections.
“If you vote, don’t collect ₦5,000, collect ₦20,000 or ₦50,000; that’s what is going to happen. Whoever has the might will win,” he stated.
He described elections in Nigeria as a high-stakes contest where political actors deploy all available tools to secure victory.
The Afenifere chieftain also spoke on the group’s position on restructuring, noting that the organisation had submitted proposals to the National Assembly of Nigeria advocating restructuring and the creation of a Western Nigeria regional arrangement.
Fapounda stressed that the proposed restructuring would be voluntary and guided by a referendum process.
“Restructuring is not a recipe for anarchy. It will be voluntary and open to all entities,” he said.
He added that discussions within the group include the possibility of incorporating Yoruba-speaking communities in Kogi State and Kwara State into a broader regional framework.
According to him, the proposal aims to reflect the cultural and political realities of the Yoruba people while allowing different communities to retain their identities within a restructured federation.
