Popular Nigerian comedian, Ali Baba, has shared advice he claimed to have received from former President Olusegun Obasanjo on how to become Nigeria’s president.
Speaking on the show Outside The Box, the 59-year-old entertainer said Obasanjo thought he was going into politics and decided to guide him with some key strategies.
Ali Baba, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, said Obasanjo told him that winning the presidency would require backing from seven powerful governors and the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
“He said you need governors from Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Rivers, Kano, and Kaduna — and the CBN governor too,” Ali Baba said, while showing a note on his phone where he had saved the conversation. “I told him Kano and Kaduna don’t have money, but he said they have the numbers.”
Obasanjo, according to Ali Baba, also stressed the importance of targeting 44 popular senatorial districts across the country to win an election.
The former president also reportedly advised that key contracts should be awarded during the first year in office to secure re-election.
“You must award 10 contracts early. Even if only 15% of each is executed, people will feel the impact, and that can influence their votes later,” Ali Baba said.
Obasanjo also allegedly highlighted the importance of appointing people to top positions, such as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the head of customs, the CBN governor, the head of the NNPC, and the Inspector General of Police.
He further advised, according to Ali Baba, that one should avoid corrupt but wealthy former governors — unless their financial support is necessary.
“He said some of these governors still have money despite EFCC cases. Their states earn a lot internally, and they don’t always spend what they get from the federal government. That leftover becomes their personal war chest,” Ali Baba said.
The former president also reportedly emphasized building alliances beyond politics. He advised gaining the support of countries like the US and China, major religious leaders, the top 10 richest Nigerians, and even social media influencers and bloggers.
Ali Baba added that Obasanjo suggested weakening the opposition by sending people to join their party before elections — not to help, but to disrupt their plans from the inside.
“He said if you want to win, buy loyalty early. Offer jobs to relatives of delegates, open businesses for their families, or sponsor their trips. When the time comes, they’ll back you because of what you’ve done for them,” he explained.
Finally, Obasanjo reportedly recommended having influence over the appointment of party chairmen, electoral officers, and heads of federal boards and agencies — as well as hiring constitutional lawyers to help navigate legal challenges.
Ali Baba’s revelations provide a rare peek into the alleged inner workings of Nigerian political strategy — from powerful alliances to backroom deals.
