Dr. Akin Fapohunda, has expressed concern over the high cost of participating in Nigerian politics, describing it as a major obstacle to the development of issue-based and ideological politics in the country.
Speaking as a guest on S24 Television’s Spotlight programme in Abuja, Fapohunda said Nigerian politics has become too expensive, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to actively participate without substantial financial resources.
According to him, the growing influence of money in politics has led to a situation where many politicians lack clear ideological convictions and are driven more by personal interests than by principles and policies.
He argued that the emphasis on financial strength rather than ideas and competence has contributed to what he described as a misplacement of priorities within the political system.
Fapohunda noted that the current political environment discourages many capable individuals from seeking elective positions because of the enormous financial demands involved.
He also expressed sympathy for some of his friends who ventured into politics, saying the realities of the system often make it difficult for well-meaning individuals to succeed without significant financial backing.
The author and publisher called for reforms that would encourage more ideologically driven politics, stressing that political parties and leaders should be guided by clear visions and policies rather than money.
He maintained that strengthening political ideology and reducing the influence of money in elections would help improve governance and deepen democracy in Nigeria.
Dr. Fapohunda is a technical writer and publisher of several books aimed at making Computer Science knowledge accessible to Nigerians. He is married with three children, all of whom are Information Technology specialists with Master’s degrees.
He urged political stakeholders to create a more inclusive political system that gives qualified Nigerians an opportunity to contribute to national development regardless of their financial status.
