Political Gatekeeping: Ogunlewe Says ₦50 Billion Is The Price For Women To Make It To The Senate

Speaking in an interview with Arise News on Monday, Ogunlewe lamented that Nigeria’s political system favors those with financial power, making it nearly impossible for capable individuals without substantial resources to succeed. He particularly emphasized the difficulty women face in securing a Senate seat, claiming that it would take at least ₦50 billion to run a successful campaign.

“The political system we operate does not accommodate competent individuals without financial backing. In smaller, constituency-based elections, it is more feasible, but for a woman to fight for a Senate seat in Nigeria, you are looking at ₦50 billion to start with. Where will a woman get that kind of money? The system is simply too expensive,” he stated.

Ogunlewe further linked the high cost of elections to issues like budget padding and inflated government contracts, explaining that many senators rely on financial backing from contractors and companies who expect favors in return.

“If you’re in the Senate, I, as a company, will ask—are you going to protect my interests? Will you ensure I get more contracts? Can you add my name to the budget? Budget padding is often prearranged before politicians even get elected. Sponsors invest in candidates with the expectation that, once in office, they will secure funds for their projects,” Ogunlewe explained.