In Nigeria’s political landscape, the term “godfather” carries a weighty significance—referring to powerful figures who finance, influence, and often control political office holders. Beyond mere mentorship, these relationships have driven political violence and deepened insecurity, becoming tools to manipulate governance and maintain dominance.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
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1. Lamidi Adedibu: Fear as Political Currency in Oyo State
Chief Lamidi Adedibu, the late political godfather of Ibadan, epitomized how insecurity becomes political leverage. When his protégé, Governor Rashidi Ladoja, failed to meet his expectations, Adedibu orchestrated widespread violence—mobilizing thugs to terrorize communities across Ibadan between 2003 and 2007. This climate of political instability served as a warning: defy the godfather at your peril.
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2. Chris Uba: Political Turmoil in Anambra State
In Anambra State, Chris Uba’s grip on power exemplified godfatherism gone awry. He sponsored virtually the entire political leadership—governor, senators, assembly members—and used criminal thugs and partisan mobs to enforce control. This reign of engineered insecurity resulted in the burning of public buildings and suppression of dissent, leaving citizens trapped between political violence and fear.
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3. Elections Orchestrated Through Cult Gang Violence
The commercialization of political manipulation extends beyond godfathers’ protégés. In several states, politicians recruited cult gangs and militia-like groups to disrupt elections with violence, intimidation, and even murders. For example, in Gombe State and the Niger Delta, local politicians funded armed gangs to rig elections and suppress opponents, creating communities living under perpetual threat.
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4. Weaponizing Politics: Impact on Democracy and Governance
The consequences of such patronage-driven insecurity are profound:
Erosion of Democratic Processes, as voters lose faith and elections become mere formalities.
Misallocation of Resources, with state institutions captured by godfathers and used to funnel contracts or favors.
Suppression of Merit-Based Leadership, with elections skewed towards loyalty rather than competence.
Cycle of Violence, whether to maintain control or replace disobedient godsons with pliant successors.
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5. Voices Calling Out the System
Omoyele Sowore, presidential candidate and activist, warned how elites finance elections, sow fear, then deliver hollow “bones” to voters while keeping access to the national treasury intact.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan confessed that “desperate politicians” patronize thugs to ignite insecurity—highlighting that criminals rise as role models and are rewarded with authority or titles.…….CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
