According to Nivo News, the political landscape in Nigeria is heating up as preparations for the 2027 general elections gain momentum. Party defections, internal crises within major parties including the PDP, LP, NNPP, ADC, and even fault lines emerging within the ruling APC, have intensified political activities nationwide. Beyond these disputes, one issue capturing public attention is the gradual erosion of political godfa....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Across the country, instances of former protégés asserting independence have become more frequent, often at significant political risk. In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s relationship with his political mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has deteriorated amid reports that Yusuf intends to defect from the NNPP to the APC. Despite Kwankwaso’s opposition, political insiders say arrangements to welcome Yusuf into the APC are advanced, with January 12 reportedly set as the official transition date. The dispute has spilled onto social media and affected the state’s political structure, prompting changes in party leadership and alignment among commissioners, lawmakers, and local government officials. Kano State’s Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described a potential defection as “a blessing” for the state, citing the benefits of alignment with the ruling party.

In Kaduna State, tension between former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his successor, Governor Uba Sani, has persisted since early 2024. The disagreement emerged when Sani accused El-Rufai of leaving the state in financial distress, allegations the former governor denied. Investigations into the state’s finances followed, while El-Rufai moved to the ADC, leaving Sani in the APC. Analysts anticipate this power struggle will influence the 2027 elections.

Jigawa State also shows signs of growing friction between Governor Umar Namadi and his predecessor, Badaru Abubakar, with political observers warning of escalating tension as the 2027 elections approach. Meanwhile, Rivers State has witnessed an ongoing confrontation between former Governor Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara. Although Fubara temporarily sought reconciliation after suspension and acting appointments, he eventually defected to the APC, signaling that underlying political tensions remain unresolved.

Historical precedents illustrate that godfather-protégé conflicts are not new in Nigeria. From Kano in 1982 with Malam Aminu Kano and Governor Abubakar Rimi, to Oyo State in 2006 with Lamidi Adedibu and Governor Rashidi Ladoja, and various clashes in Sokoto State, such dynamics have repeatedly shaped state politics. Experts argue that while godfatherism has long influenced political outcomes, its decline may strengthen democracy by allowing elected officials greater autonomy. Professor Kamilu Sani Fage of Bayero University, Kano, notes that these arrangements often serve personal interests rather than public good and their collapse is a positive development for governance.

Opinions remain divided. Some political actors, like Umar Kyari of the PDP in Jigawa, insist godfatherism is inevitable in Nigerian politics, while others, including ADC’s Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, contend that political protégés often rely heavily on their mentors’ support and resources. The coming elections are expected to further test these dynamics, with loyalty increasingly contested and authority continuously challenged.

therism, with governors increasingly breaking away from the influence of those who helped bring them to power.