Video: Faduri Oluwadare Joseph Exposes How Political Godfatherism is the Greatest Threat to Nigeria’s Progres
By Faduri Oluwadare Joseph
Former Presidential Aspirant, Labour Party and founder, Rescue Movement for New Nigeria
The silent Hijack of Nigerian Democracy
In a true democracy, power belongs to the people. But in Nigeria, that power has been hijacked by a few powerful individuals, not elected by the people, but feared and obeyed more than the Constitution itself.
These people are known as political godfathers. They are not just political players, they are the architects of corruption, the enemies of progress, and the invisible hands destabilizing Nigeria’s future.
The Rise of Godfatherism
Godfatherism found fertile ground in Nigeria when politics became a game for the wealthy, not the worthy. As campaign financing spiraled out of control, political parties began relying on wealthy individuals to fund primaries and general elections, with that funding came demands for control.
Soon, elected leaders began serving godfathers instead of the people. Governors, ministers, lawmakers — all too often act on instructions from behind the scenes.
Real-Life Examples: When Godfathers Rule from the Shadows
Rivers State: The fierce battle between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Sim Fubara became a constitutional crisis. Wike’s refusal to relinquish control led to impeachment threats, legislative chaos, and federal intervention. This is the havoc godfatherism breeds.
Lagos State: Former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied a second term, not by the people, but by one man: Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His offense? Daring to act independently. Today, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu governs under the same shadow, surviving only because he’s in his final term.
Benue State: Former Governor George Akume, now a federal godfather, clashed with his successors. His grip over Benue’s leadership has caused rifts and insecurity, distracting the state from real development.
Kogi State: Former Governor Yahaya Bello, accused of embezzling billions, is still pulling strings in the state through his loyal successor, Governor Usman Ododo. When Bello was summoned by the EFCC, Ododo escorted him like a bodyguard, not a governor.
Why does Bello still wield such influence? The answer is godfatherism. He controls the system with looted billions, buying loyalty, silence, and protection.
Their Escape Plan: Switch Parties, Avoid Justice
When godfathers face exposure, they abandon their parties and defect to the ruling party. It’s not about ideology, it’s about immunity.
It’s a tactic of survival: trade loyalty for protection. And it works in a broken system where justice is for sale.
How Godfathers Control Nigeria
These godfathers don’t just influence elections, they own the system:
Lawmakers: They influence laws and budgets to benefit their interests.
Governors and Ministers: They dictate appointments and contracts.
Judiciary: They install loyal judges to suppress justice.
The People: They divide us , by tribe, by religion, when their power is threatened.
When they’re desperate, they preach religion. When cornered, they preach ethnicity. But behind closed doors, they are united in looting the nation.
The Way Forward: Dismantle Godfatherism
We cannot build a new Nigeria while old godfathers still call the shots. To reclaim our country, we must do the following:
1. Reform Political Parties: End the dominance of moneybags. Uphold internal democracy.
2. Strengthen INEC and Security Agencies: Let elections be free, fair, and secure.
3. Rebuild the Judiciary: Appoint honest judges and insulate them from political interference.
4. Raise Civic Awareness: Educate Nigerians to vote based on character, not cash.
5. Promote Unity over Division: Reject tribal and religious manipulation.
A Call to Action of Nigerians both Home and Abroad
This fight is for every Nigerian in Lagos or London, Kaduna or California. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the time has come to rescue it from godfathers who have enslaved our democracy.
We must say:
No more recycled godfathers.
No more stolen futures.
No more selling of our votes for a cup of rice.
Let us rise with one voice and one mission, to restore power to the people and build a New Nigeria where leadership is earned, not imposed.
Final Word: Reject Oppression, Embrace Renewal. Godfatherism is not politics. It is oppression in disguise. It is the reason Nigeria staggers instead of soars. The same godfathers who ruined PDP are now controlling APC. Tomorrow, they may hijack Labour Party too, unless we stop them.This is a battle for our future.
Let us rise.
Let us resist.
Let us Rescue and Renew Nigeria, it begins with you.
Faduri Oluwadare Joseph
Leader, Rescue Movement for New Nigeria
Visionary for a New Africa
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