ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The recent Rivers State local government elections marked a shift in the political landscape, sparking tension between Governor Sim Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who also happens to be his godfather and the current FCT Minister.
Wike leveraged his influence and political expertise to maintain his dominance as a godfather in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while perpetuating the ongoing rift with party leaders over power struggles.
It’s no news that election victories often lead to conflicts between godfathers and their protégés, driven by clashing interests, values, and agendas that involve top-level politicians.
This has a direct impact on the nation’s socioeconomic and political growth.
Below is a closer look at how godfatherism has played out in different states across Nigeria, highlighting some key political battles and tension in the state.
1. Saraki vs Lawal – Kwara (2003–2011)
In Kwara State, godfatherism was prominently displayed through the political tussle between Olusola Saraki, a former Senate President and the pillar of the Saraki Dynasty, and late Mohammed Lawal, a former governor of Kwara State.
Saraki, who inherited political power from his father, used his influence to dislodge Lawal from power after the 2003 election. This contest set the stage for Bukola Saraki’s political dominance in Kwara, leading to what became known as the “Saraki dynasty.”
The rivalry between Saraki and Lawal underscores how the influence of political godfathers shapes leadership in the state.
2. Ambode vs Tinubu – Lagos (2015–2019)
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In Lagos, the godfatherism debate is epitomized by the political tension between former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the sitting president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was then the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tinubu, regarded as a political godfather in Lagos, played a major role in installing Ambode as governor in 2015.
However, Ambode’s tenure saw growing friction with Tinubu, who eventually supported Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ambode’s successor, in the 2019 election.
The clash highlighted how even incumbents face immense pressure to remain loyal to their political godfathers or risk being ousted.
3. Chris Uba vs Chris Ngige – Anambra (2003)
The relationship between Chris Uba and Chris Ngige in Anambra State offers another example of godfatherism.
In 2003, Uba, a political godfather, supported Ngige’s bid for governor. However, when Ngige refused to follow Uba’s dictates after assuming office, their relationship deteriorated, leading to Ngige’s infamous abduction by Uba’s allies in July 2003.
This event sparked national outrage and brought attention to the dangers of unchecked godfatherism in Nigerian politics, where political godfathers expect loyalty and obedience from their protégés.
4. Fubara vs Wike – Rivers (2023)
In Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, the former governor, has long wielded influence as a political godfather. His relationship with Siminalayi Fubara, the current governor, illustrates how godfatherism affects political alignments.
Fubara, a protégé of Wike, became governor in 2023 and has since faced challenges in maintaining his own political identity while navigating Wike’s powerful influence.
The dynamic between them reflects the constant balancing act between loyalty to a godfather and establishing personal authority in Nigerian politics.
5. Kwankwaso vs Ganduje – Kano (2015–2023)
The rivalry between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje in Kano State exemplifies a shift in power dynamics within a godfather-protégé relationship.
Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano, played a key role in Ganduje’s rise to power in 2015.
However, after Ganduje became governor, their relationship soured, leading to a bitter political fallout in 2018 as Ganduje sought to break free from Kwankwaso’s control.
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This led to further tensions in the 2023 elections, demonstrating the fragile nature of godfatherism when protégés attempt to assert independence.
6. Kachalla vs Ali Modu Sheriff – Borno (1999–2003)
In Borno State, the battle for political control has often involved the influence of Ali Modu Sheriff, a prominent political godfather.
Sheriff’s influence over his protégés, including former governor Mala Kachalla, shaped Borno’s political landscape between 1999 and 2003.
However, the dynamics of their relationship also demonstrated the complex nature of godfatherism, where political alliances can shift, and protégés sometimes struggle to escape the grip of their godfathers.
7. Ladoja vs Adedibu – Oyo (2003–2006)
The political relationship between Rashidi Ladoja and Lamidi Adedibu in Oyo State serves as a significant case of godfatherism.
Adedibu, a powerful political figure, helped Ladoja secure the governorship in 2003. However, when Ladoja refused to submit fully to Adedibu’s demands, a fierce battle ensued, culminating in Ladoja’s impeachment in 2006.
This conflict showcased the extent to which political godfathers in Nigeria can go to assert their dominance when their authority is challenged.