Segun Atanda/
A former governorship aspirant in Ondo State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Moyosola Niran-Oladunni, popularly known as MNO, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing influence of money and elite consensus in Nigeria’s political process ahead of party primaries for the State Houses of Assembly and National Assembly elections.
Niran-Oladunni said the increasing concentration of political influence among powerful interests was gradually weakening grassroots participation and limiting the ability of ordinary party members to determine who represents them.
According to him, strengthening internal democracy within political parties remains essential to deepening democratic culture and improving grassroots development.
“I decided to concentrate on my business when I realised my people did not truly have the power to determine who represents them,” he said during an interview.
The former governorship aspirant argued that political structures have become increasingly shaped by financial influence, political networks and top-level endorsements rather than broad-based community participation.
“The fact remains that some people have the connections and contacts to influence outcomes,” he stated. “But there is a limit to the level some of us can descend to politically if the objective is genuine service to our people.”
He expressed concern that decisions affecting local political representation are increasingly perceived to be influenced by elite consensus rather than emerging organically from the grassroots.
“Things have degenerated to the point where even to become a ward councillor, some people believe names must come from Abuja. That is not the type of politics that supports grassroots development,” he said.
Niran-Oladunni also cautioned against the growing role of money in elections, warning that excessive financial influence could undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken genuine political participation.
According to him, electoral contests should reflect the will and aspirations of the people rather than the strength of financial or political structures.
Commenting on governance more broadly, the APC chieftain stressed the need for public office holders to prioritise service delivery, accountability and long-term development.
He said the achievements of Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, would ultimately speak for his administration after leaving office.
Niran-Oladunni further called for more issue-driven politics and leadership focused on sustainable development rather than personal political survival.
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