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ABSTRACT
In Nigeria, the politics of godfatherism has assumed a negative connotation as it has become a condition for many political hopefuls to achieve their political aspirations. Ordinarily, the political landscape in Nigeria dictates that godfathers should serve as sources of inspiration and their track record should compel aspiring politicians to seek out the guidance of these seasoned leaders. Political godfathers and their godsons, on the other hand, appear to be engaging in a different kind of relationship. It is based on this premise that this study sought to examine godfatherism and how it affect the democratic polity. This was achieved using five research questions; how does political godfatherism in Nigeria impact the country's level of good governance? How much sway does political godfatherism have on election results in Nigeria? In Nigeria’s democracy, what role does political patronage play in the country? What are the ways of eradicating political godfatherism in Nigeria? What are some ways that political godfatherism in Nigeria could be addressed and ultimately resolved? In finding answers to these research questions, the study adopted a quantitative method of analysis using one hundred residents of Oredo local government area, Edo state. The study argued that the activities of political godfather’s have negatively affected the democratic gains of the past and this has deepened rot in the polity. Economy of the country, and this has deepened the underdevelopment in Nigeria, the study also revealed that the political relationship between the godfathers and godsons under successive government in Nigeria is a reflection of anti people’s political behavior by voracious godfathers whose major pre-occupation is to perpetuate their hegemonic political influence and control personal interest and accumulation of abundant wealth. The study recommends attitudinal change, serious legislation against money politics, positive perception of politics, strict compliance to the electoral acts and guidelines, the politicization of fundamental government policies and programs should also be avoided if democratic institutions are to be fortified to engender positive change. Citizens should become more aware of the importance of voting and the importance of holding the ruling class accountable by demanding positive action, and democratic institutions should be strengthened to prevent political godfatherism from influencing central government policy and program decisions.
