By John Egbeazien Oshodi
The godfather’s influence extends beyond the electoral arena, permeating the very fabric of governance. Manipulation of security infrastructure, compromising of electoral officials, and co-opting of the judiciary are tactics employed to ensure outcomes favor the godfather’s interests. This systemic manipulation undermines the principles of accountability and the rule of law, raising questions about the role and effectiveness of institutions like INEC in safeguarding democratic integrity.
Nigeria’s journey toward democratic governance has been fraught with complexity and challenges, punctuated by periods of military rule and the enduring influence of godfatherism. Since achieving independence from Britain in 1960, the nation has witnessed intermittent civilian governments, frequently disrupted by military coups. The transition to democracy in 1999 was celebrated as a significant milestone toward political stability and the entrenchment of democratic values. However, the military’s exit from politics did not herald the expected blossoming of democratic culture. Instead, the void was filled by the pervasive influence of godfatherism, significantly impacting the nation’s political landscape.
Godfatherism, defined by the undue influence of powerful individuals over political processes, has been a formidable barrier to the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria. This system, where a handful of political titans dictate electoral outcomes, appointments, and governance, has fostered a culture of dependency and fear, stifling political innovation and accountability. The psychological effects of godfatherism on the Nigerian populace have been far-reaching, leading to widespread disillusionment and disengagement from the democratic process.
As Nigeria commemorates 25 years of democratic governance, the pervasive influence of godfatherism casts a long shadow over the nation’s political landscape. This phenomenon, deeply entrenched in the fabric of Nigerian politics, has profound psychological impacts on key political figures and the electorate alike. Politicians such as Anenih, Wamakko, Ibori, Uba, Tinubu, Oshiomhole, Wike, Akpabio, and Umahi have navigated the complex web of godfatherism, where loyalty to powerful patrons often supersedes the interests of the people and the principles of good governance. This culture of dependency and fear stifles political innovation and accountability, perpetuating a cycle of patronage that is detrimental to Nigeria’s democratic health.
Amidst these powerful figures, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stands as the institutional embodiment of Nigeria’s democratic aspirations. INEC’s role in conducting elections and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process is critical to the nation’s democratic health. However, the commission’s effectiveness is often challenged by the pervasive influence of godfatherism, money politics, and the manipulation of electoral outcomes. The psychological impact of these challenges on the electorate and political actors cannot be overstated, as it erodes trust in democratic institutions and perpetuates a culture of cynicism and disengagement.
The godfather’s influence extends beyond the electoral arena, permeating the very fabric of governance. Manipulation of security infrastructure, compromising of electoral officials, and co-opting of the judiciary are tactics employed to ensure outcomes favor the godfather’s interests. This systemic manipulation undermines the principles of accountability and the rule of law, raising questions about the role and effectiveness of institutions like INEC in safeguarding democratic integrity. The long-overdue decentralization of INEC, allowing local governments to have independent systems, could leave INEC to act as a dedicated election commission, mirroring the American model.
The psychological conditioning of the Nigerian populace to accept this personalized electoral system is a critical aspect of this narrative. The electorate, habituated to a political culture that prioritizes individual leaders over policy platforms, often finds itself aligning with dominant personalities rather than engaging in critical analysis of governance records and policy proposals. This conditioning not only stifles the emergence of a vibrant political discourse but also perpetuates a cycle of power concentration that undermines the collective will of the people.
Despite embracing the American presidential and executive system, Nigeria has encountered challenges in its implementation. The country’s political structure, theoretically designed to ensure checks and balances, has in reality been dominated by powerful individuals and their networks, resulting in a concentration of power and the sidelining of democratic principles.
Moreover, Nigeria has retained the judicial system of its former colonial rulers, Britain, which has been criticized for its vulnerability to godfatherism and the compromise of judges. This has raised questions about the independence and impartiality of the judiciary, a vital component of any democratic society. The lack of a judicial jury system, similar to that of the United States, has been seen as a missed opportunity to counteract the influence of godfatherism and ensure fair and transparent judicial proceedings.
The struggle against godfatherism is a critical battle for the soul of Nigerian democracy. It necessitates a concerted effort to empower voters, ensure transparent and accountable governance, and foster a political culture that prioritizes the collective will over individual power. Only by dismantling the structures of godfatherism can Nigeria hope to achieve a truly democratic future, free from the shadow of political patronage.
As Nigeria reflects on its 25 years of democratic governance, the need for systemic reforms to address the challenges posed by godfatherism becomes evident. These reforms include strengthening democratic institutions, empowering voters, and ensuring transparent and accountable governance. There is also a pressing need to reevaluate the role of institutions like INEC and to foster a political culture that encourages critical engagement with policy and governance issues.
The path to a more democratic Nigeria requires not only electoral reforms but also a fundamental shift in the culture of political patronage and the entrenchment of the rule of law. Until these changes are realized, the cycle of power struggles, lack of accountability, and the marginalization of democratic institutions are likely to persist.
Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologis
