Background:

UNLIKE some democracies where elections are defined by issues of national significance, godfatherism or political sponsorship, have remained a factor in build up to polls in Nigeria. Students of history may not find this phenomenon in the early days of partisan politics, as some argued that pre-independent and 1965 general elections, were devoid of it, despite the shortcomings of the era. Political sponsorship has been entrenched in the polity.

As former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s image loomed large in the nation, in the last dispensation, so was godfatherism in the thirty six states of the federation.

That explains why Nigeria appears to epitomise the dangers inherent in democratic experiments.

Instructively, the concept of godfatherism, originated from Christendom. Godparents are obtainable in some Christian doctrines, as they assist biological parents in defining the morality of a child.

This phenomenon in Nigerian politics, however, involves imposition and sponsoring of candidates to elective positions.

Such practice, indirectly entrusts the control of political process to godfathers, who introduce morbid brand of politics.


It is believed that most of Nigeria’s elected leaders acquired their positions through this system. The brazen abuse of power at all levels of government in the last dispensation, is not largely unconnected with the effects of godfatherism.

The effects left its toll on the nation’s political environments.

Anambra and Oyo, states were brought to their knees by the devastations of godfatherism, as Chris Uba and late Lamidu Adedibu exercised overbearing influence over their political godsons.

And as 2011 elections approaches, tongues are wagging if the godfathers will go back to the trenches. Already emerging trends from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, suggest that the last may not be heard of the phenomenon.

PDP governors, were reported to have suggested that out going governors have the sole responsibility of choosing their successors. This development however, may not go down well with some godfathers across the states, who may be grooming people to succeed the siting governors.

Therefore, if the governors are allowed to have their way, with such proposal, it may likely trigger off battle of wits with some godfathers.

Commenting on the likely role of godfatherism as 2011 draws nigh, former governor of Anambra State, Dr Chris Ngige dismissed its possibility.

He maintained that the likelihood of godfathers taking the lead, especially in Anambra State, was minimal, noting that they (godfathers) don’t stand a chance.

According to him, “I have told you that Anambra elections in 2010 is part of the electoral reforms of President Yar’Adua. We want him to implement the electoral reforms and by doing so, Nigerians will take him serious. The godfathers won’t have a role if all the reforms take place. We have beheaded the godfathers in Anambra State long ago.”

He further added that “as far as elections in Anambra State is concerned, the godfathers don’t stand any chance.”

But for the National Publicity of the Action Congress, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the ruling PDP is a place where internal regulations of the party are breached.

On internal democracy in the the Action Congress, AC, Mohammed, explained that the party would maintain a level playing ground.

On PDP governors’ stance to ensure second term governors have a free hand in choosing their successors, while first term governors are given automatic ticket, he said “if the PDP as a party, without breaching its internal regulations, decide that second term governors are given the opportunity of choosing whoever their successors would be and if first term governors, who have performed below average are given automatic tickets, I don’t think that should bother Nigerians. I don’t see anything wrong if that is done within their party. The PDP is good at breaching its constitution. But if that is done, it is a retrogressive step in the party. It is not a good development.”

On the role of godfathers, “well, I can only talk of my party. We will maintain a level playing ground. But in PDP, the role of godfathers will come to fore, if they carry out their plans.”

Flashpoints of godfatherism

Oyo

Until his demise, late strongman of Ibadan politics, Chief Lamidi Adedibu wielded so much power in Oyo politics that he ruled like a demi god.

As a matter of fact, his words were laws. Now that Adedibu is no more, the incumbent governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala will have to fight the battle of his life to survive.

Though, he has the incumbency factor working for him, all may not be uhuru in the days ahead.


Ogun

In the Gateway state, the internal contradiction within the PDP and undue struggle for the soul of the state by the former President Olusegun Obasanjo and the governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel are threatening the unity of the party. This is coming after a recent effort at fence mending failed . Vanguard gathered that the party may soon hit the rock as a result of who succeeds the incumbent come 2011.

Sources said while the governor is favourable to A Yewa/Awori candidacy, the former President is staunchly averse to an Awori becoming the governor of the state. We gathered also that the governor who is apparently not bothered about the support of the former president has vowed to go ahead with his plans to have a Yewa as his successor. Investigations revealed that Mr. Kayode Samuel (former Vanguard staff) and aide to the governor who is a Yewa man is the choice of the governor. The governor was said to have also positioned one Dr. Adeleke Otegbola, a veterinary doctor and his Special Adviser on Special duties. Sources squealed that the governor reposes so much confidence in both men that he believes he would still call the shots even after May 2011.

Reports indicated that the former president’s interest was not particularly averse to a Yewa or an Awori, but a candidate handed down by Daniel. He wants to have his own choice by virtue of being the most senior member of the party in the state. We also gathered the former president who many see as unforgiving, intends to deal with Daniel after leaving office in May 2011 and the best way to achieve that, sources said, is by fostering someone who will readily take orders from him.

The Obasanjo/Daniel wrangling has its root in the struggle for the political control of Ogun State Peoples Democratic Party . Things got awry at a recent meeting in Ibadan convened to settle the rift where Daniel allegedly walked out on the ex-President. A supposed peace was brokered between them after which Daniel visited him on Oct 1, 2008 and fed him with cakes, but observers say this is mere cosmetics as the issue is more complex than eating of cakes on Independence Day.

Enugu

In the coal rich state, Governor Sullivan Chime holds the ace but political pundits posit that the looming image of his predecessor, Senator Chimaroke Nnamani will come to play in the 2011 polls.

Though, out of office, Nnamani, as it has been observed, still has a role to play as far as who gets what in Enugu State.

Chime, who is also gunning for a second shot to the Enugu Government House, may not have a good rapport with his predecessor, owing to some clash of interests.

Sources close to both men reveal that 2011 will be a clash of titans in the State.

Rivers

The oil rich state is not left out in the scheme of things.

Governor Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, having emerged governor from the blues, will have to contend with some powerful forces, who are bent on truncating his administration at all cost.

The likes of his predecessor, Sir Peter Odili; one time Minister of Transportation, Dr Abiye Sekibo and Sir Celestine Omehia are at Amaechi’s jugular.

Though, Ameachi has one thing going for him, he has support from prominent leaders in Rivers State, he still has to battle these powerful elements, who would do everything possible to thwart his return to Brick House, Port Harcourt.

Lagos

The Centre of Excellence remains a perculiar state.

Since 1999, the Alliance for Democracy, AD, which has transformed into AC continues to have a firm grip of the state.

This, perhaps, is as a result of the doggedness of the immediate past governor of the state, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who withstood the incursion by the almighty Peoples Democracy Party, PDP, led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Tinubu unarguably remains a force to reckon with as far as the politics of Lagos is concerned.

The lone-ranger, as he (Tinubu) was fondly called, from 2003 to 2007 gave the PDP a chase for their money during his tenure.

Even after he left Alausa Round House, he is believed to still holds the ace in Lagos politics.

Though, opposition parties have continually vowed to wrest power from AC, pundits are of the view that it remains a tall dream.

As 2011 gains momentum, Tinubu has a vital role to play.

Edo

No doubt, Mr Fix it and the Iyasere of Uromi land, Chief Anthony Anenih remains “the Leader”, as far as Edo politics is concerned. Anenih has a firm grip on the state politics.

In spite of the looming image of former chairman of the Board of Trustees, Chief Tony Anenih the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, perhaps has an herculean task of upstaging the incumbent governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.


Anambra

Next year’s gubernatorial polls in the state will prove to be somewhat interesting.

At the last count, gladiators, who have indicated interest include: Dr Andy Uba, Prof Charles Soludo (yet to declare), Dr Chris Ngige, Emeka Etiaba and of course, the incumbent governor, Mr Peter Obi.

As events unfold in the State, new alliances will be formed while old ones may crumble owing to vested interests.The various gladiators will use all in their arsenals to outwit one another.


http://www.vanguardngr.com/content/view/32115/48/

At the last count, gladiators, who have indicated interest include: Dr Andy Uba, Prof Charles Soludo (yet to declare),

That VI meeting is really paying off. Even a fool can see the contradiction employed above just to bring Soludo into the picture to make him up as an over-ambitious guy. I read that guy's interview where he said that his heart belongs to the academia!

Thank you for the thread. Democracy no matter how flawed has brought more of transparency in politics. An analysis of the players, and those who dealt them the cards.

Permit me to suggest that Madam rebranding should do something about these old politicians in the name of godfathers, to leave Nigeria alone. They have portrayed Nigerian politics in enough bad light and they should be rebranded urgently, else the whole effort at rebranding Nigeria will be a mirage.