DR. D. O. Iweze

This research examines the phenomenon of godfatherism in Nigerian politics, using the 2016 and 2020 governorship elections in Edo State as a definitive case study. Godfatherism is understood as a form of political corruption where an influential individual (the godfather) anoints a less influential candidate (the godson) for leadership positions to exert authority and influence over governance. The study is necessitated by the deep entrenchment of this practice in the Nigerian political system, which often makes it difficult for young, independent aspirants to gain power without the backing of wealthy, older politicians. This dependency frequently results in rifts, as seen in the cases of Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Ambode in Lagos and Chris Uba/Chris Ngige in Anambra, where godfathers historically held the upper hand. However, the Edo State 2020 governorship election, which saw Governor Godwin Obaseki's re-election against the wishes of his former godfather, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, represented a significant moment of resistance. This event, hailed by political figures as a "declaration of independence from the anti-democratic forces of godfatherism," provides a crucial basis for assessing the concept's changing dynamics. The aim of this research is to analyze and document the issue of godfatherism in Nigerian politics through the lens of the 2016–2020 electoral cycle in Edo State. The specific objectives are to: Document the origin and evolution of godfatherism in Edo State. Analyze the role of godfatherism in the 2016 and 2020 governorship elections in Edo State. Assess the challenges and overall effect of godfatherism in the Edo State governorship election, and its implications for the future of democracy in Nigeria. The research adopts a narrative and interdisciplinary approach, utilizing both primary sources (oral interviews) and secondary sources (textbooks, journals, and newspapers) to provide a comprehensive analysis. By focusing on the 2020 election, the study seeks to unravel the concept of godfatherism and its diminishing influence in the face of growing political awareness and the will of the electorate in Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.