Political Conflicts and Godfatherism in Nigeria: A Focus on the Fourth Republic

Abstract

The conflict arising from godfatherism has become one of the greatest problems facing the Nigerian political system. The holder of the political position becomes a stooge to his godfather because he that pays the piper dictates the tune. By the time the godson refuses to meet their (godfather�s) demand, he is eventually impeached from political office. In Nigeria�s fourth republic dispensation (1999 till date), the Saraki-Lawal face off, Nwobodo � Nnamani quagmire, Adedibu �Ladoja crisis, Uba-Ngige saga and all other godfathers prot�g� crises in Nigeria do not only portray great danger to our democratic experiments, but also on the very essence and validity of our existence as a nation. The billions of naira expended by Nigerian godfathers for bankrolling the elections of their godsons have totally monetized elections in Nigeria which automatically disqualifies men of honour, character and integrity from holding elected public positions. The issue of godfatherism in Nigeria politics is as a result of societal decay, which has encroached into spheres of the Nigerian polity. It is therefore suggested that godfatherism should not be treated as a party affair, but should be offered political, social and legal treatment by the government and the stakeholders in Nigeria.