Former Police chiefs Adamu, Baba’s APC governorship ambitions spark public debate over cost of politics

Former Inspectors-General of Police under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Usman Alkali Baba and Abubakar Mohammed Adamu, have both entered the political arena after reportedly purchasing nomination and expression of interest forms to contest governorship tickets under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yobe and Nasarawa States respectively.

Adamu, who served as Inspector-General of Police from 2019 to 2021, and Baba, who held office from 2021 to 2023, are said to have obtained the APC forms reportedly valued at about ₦50 million each as part of their bids to secure party tickets.

The development has drawn public attention due to the high cost of political participation in Nigeria, with nomination fees, campaign logistics, delegate engagements, and electioneering expenses often running into hundreds of millions of naira.

Their reported entry into partisan politics has triggered renewed debate on social media and among political observers about the affordability of electoral contests in Nigeria, particularly within major political parties.

Critics argue that the cost structure of party primaries continues to favour wealthy and well-connected individuals, raising concerns about inclusiveness and internal party democracy.

The transition of top security officials into high-cost political contests has also fueled broader public discussions about wealth accumulation among former public office holders, although no evidence of wrongdoing has been established against either former police chief in relation to their political activities.

Analysts note that it is not unusual for retired senior public officials in Nigeria to pursue political office, often leveraging experience, networks, and visibility gained during public service.

The development comes amid ongoing national debates about economic hardship, inflation, and the rising cost of living, which have intensified public sensitivity toward perceived inequalities between political elites and ordinary citizens.

Some commentators argue that the situation reflects deeper structural issues in Nigeria’s political and governance system, including the high cost of elections and limited financial transparency in party financing.

While Usman Alkali Baba and Abubakar Mohammed Adamu’s political ambitions have added new dimensions to the APC governorship race in Yobe and Nasarawa States, the public reaction highlights continuing concerns about the cost of politics and accessibility of elective office in Nigeria.

As of the time of filing this report, neither former IGP has issued a detailed public response addressing the ongoing discussions surrounding their political bids or campaign expenditures.