The Director of Research of pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere, Dr. Akin Fapounda, says money and political might could determine the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.

Fapounda made the remark during a live television appearance, where he argued that the scale of financial resources available to political actors could heavily influence the contest.

Allegation of large-scale vote buying

According to him, governors aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress could deploy large sums of money to influence voters.

Fapounda said the 31 APC governors, if acting together, could channel allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee for several months to influence the election.

“We now have 31 governors who are in one basket. All they need to do is to devote the four-month FAAC allocation to buy whatever is ready to be bought,” he said.

He claimed that voter inducement could rise significantly beyond the amounts commonly reported during past elections.

“If you vote, don’t collect N5,000. Collect N20,000 or N50,000. That’s what is going to happen,” Fapounda said, adding that financial strength could ultimately shape the electoral outcome.

He described elections as highly competitive political contests where parties often deploy every available advantage.

Afenifere reiterates call for restructuring

Fapounda also said Afenifere has submitted proposals to the National Assembly seeking restructuring and the creation of a western regional arrangement.

According to him, restructuring would not lead to instability but would allow different regions to organize themselves within a voluntary framework.

“Restructuring is not a recipe for anarchy,” he said.

He noted that Yoruba-speaking areas currently spread across several states could choose to form a regional structure through a referendum if such reforms are approved.

“In Yoruba land, we have six states, but it might be eight. We are looking at Kogi and Kwara States because they have Yoruba people too,” he said.

Fapounda added that the proposal would allow different ethnic and cultural entities within the region to retain their identities while participating in a broader regional structure.