Godfatherism Has No Place in Nigerian Politics — APC Chieftain

A federal commissioner at the Federal Civil Service Commission, Henry Idahagbon, has called for the total dismantling of godfatherism in Nigeria’s political system, describing it as a harmful practice uniquely invented in the country.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Idahagbon, who represents Edo, Ekiti and Ondo states, said godfatherism remains one of Nigeria’s negative contributions to democratic development.

According to him, while influential political figures exist in democracies across the world, including the United States, the Nigerian version of godfatherism is extreme and unmatched.

“There are powerful political actors everywhere, but nothing compares with the Nigerian concept of godfatherism. It is a uniquely Nigerian creation,” he said.

Idahagbon cited Edo and Rivers states as prime examples of the destructive effects of godfatherism, recalling the political crisis between former Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his predecessor, Adams Oshiomhole.

He recounted how tensions escalated to the point where Oshiomhole was declared persona non grata in a state he once governed, requiring private security escort from the airport to his residence. He added that Oshiomhole’s convoy was repeatedly attacked and that thugs once attempted to burn down his house.

He noted that a similar situation is currently unfolding in Rivers State, where the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory is allegedly exerting undue influence over Governor Siminalayi Fubara after supporting his emergence.

Idahagbon, a former attorney-general and commissioner for justice during Oshiomhole’s administration, stressed that Nigerian leaders must learn to disengage from power after leaving office.

“When governors and presidents leave office, they should leave completely and stop trying to impose successors,” he said.

He argued that the drive to handpick successors is often motivated by the desire for protection after leaving office, adding that leaders with clean records have nothing to fear.

“If you have performed well in office, you don’t need to determine who succeeds you,” he said, citing Abia State Governor Alex Otti as an example.

The commissioner urged Nigerians to embrace the principle of “one man, one vote” and reject godfatherism, calling for the mantra to become a national creed.

“Godfatherism has far-reaching negative consequences for our polity. It is time we consciously say no to it,” he added.