Political Godfatherism And The Revolts Of Godsons: A Threat To Nigeria’s Democracy – Charles Edet-SIXT-MEDIA LANE
Political Godfatherism and the Revolts of Godsons: A Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy
Charles Edet Esq PhD, Fcr
In Nigeria’s political landscape, a disturbing trend has emerged, threatening the very fabric of democracy.
Political godfatherism, a phenomenon where influential politicians manipulate electoral processes to entrench their preferred successors, has become a norm.
However, this practice has consistently met with resistance from godsons who, once in power, seek to assert their independence. The resulting conflict between predecessors and successors has far-reaching implications for governance, accountability, and the overall progress of states.
The dynamics of godfatherism in Nigerian politics are complex, with relationships between political mentors and their protégés often evolving into power struggles once office changes hands. Examples abound, such as Senator Chimaroke Nnamani and Governor Chime, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and his godson Kabir Yusuf, as well as FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his godson Siminalayi Fubara. These cases illustrate the realities of political succession in Nigeria, where godfathers attempt to maintain influence over their successors, stifling their ability to exercise independence and make decisions in the public interest.
The approach of these political godfathers is often characterized by arm-twisting and manipulation, as they seek to control their successors and dictate policy directions. This interference can be seen in various states, where ex-governors, having installed their preferred candidates, expect total loyalty and attempt to pressure their successors into submission. However, this unrealistic and counterproductive attitude is frequently resisted by incumbents, who refuse to be choked by excessive intrusion from their predecessor-godfathers.
Former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has spoken out against this trend, emphasizing that “power changes relationships. Even if someone was once considered a godson, once they are in office, they are accountable to the people, not to you.” El-Rufai’s experience highlights the broader implications of godfatherism for governance, suggesting that attempts to control successors often undermine accountability and reduce public confidence in elected officials.
The consequences of godfatherism are far-reaching, affecting not only the states involved but also Nigeria’s democratic system as a whole. When godfathers exert undue influence over their successors, it can lead to a lack of accountability, as leaders prioritize their mentor’s interests over those of the public. This, in turn, erodes trust in government and hinders progress, as policies are implemented with little regard for the needs of citizens.
Moreover, godfatherism can lead to a culture of subservience, where elected officials are more concerned with pleasing their mentors than serving the people. This undermines the principles of democracy, which require leaders to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of their constituents. By allowing godfathers to dictate policy and control their successors, Nigeria’s democracy is being strangled, and its potential for growth and development stifled.
El-Rufai’s position on the issue is clear: political mentorship should be about guidance, not domination. He argues that Nigeria’s democratic system benefits when leaders focus on performance and institutional continuity rather than personal influence. By respecting the independence of successors and allowing them the space to implement policies effectively, political actors can ensure that power serves the people rather than the ambitions of a few.
The revolts of godsons against their godfathers are a testament to the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy. As incumbents resist attempts to control them, they are asserting their right to govern in the interest of their constituents. This struggle for independence is a crucial step towards building a more accountable and responsive government, one that prioritizes the needs of citizens over the interests of a few powerful individuals.
Therefore, it’s a truism that political godfatherism and the revolts of godsons are a significant challenge to Nigeria’s democracy.
By understanding the dynamics of this phenomenon and its implications for governance, we can begin to address the root causes of this problem. By supporting leaders like El-Rufai, who advocate for independence and accountability, we can work towards a more democratic and prosperous Nigeria, where power truly serves the people.
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