The Godfather Complex: How Old Politics is Crippling New Nigeria
By Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Governance Analyst | Policy Consultant | Development Economist | Strategic Development Advocate
Introduction: A Nation Held Hostage by Its Past Nigeria’s democratic progress is being choked by a quiet, deeply entrenched enemy: The Godfather Complexa system where power is handed down, controlled, or manipulated by a select few individuals who hold the levers of influence behind the scenes. These political godfathers are not just influencers; they are kingmakers, puppet masters, and in many cases, gatekeepers of Nigeria’s political destiny.
As Nigeria yearns for new leadership, ideas, and reform, we must ask:
Why do we keep recycling the same names, same families, and same failed models while the capable, competent, and credible remain suppressed?
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” – Albert Einstein
The Godfather Syndrome: What It Means
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The Godfather Complex in Nigerian politics refers to a system where influential political figures install loyal protégés into public office, often prioritizing personal loyalty over competence, vision, or public interest.
Appointments are made not on merit, but on allegiance.
Candidates are imposed through backdoor consensus rather than democratic primaries.
Policies are driven not by the needs of citizens, but by the interests of the “political family.”
This system silences rising stars, deters the best minds from contesting, and reduces politics to a game of survival, not service.
Rhetorical Questions that Haunt Us
Why do young, intelligent Nigerians hesitate to run for office?
Because they know the game is already rigged.
Why do we have 70-year-old “new” governors or ministers in a country with a median age of 18?
Because the gate is guarded by the past.
Why does it seem like politics is inherited in Nigeria passed from father to son, brother to cousin?
Because dynasty politics has replaced democratic equity.
A Data-Driven Perspective
According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in the 2023 general elections, less than 13% of elected senators were under the age of 45, despite youth making up over 60% of the voting population.
Over 30% of governorship and legislative seats are held by individuals who have either been recycled from past administrations or are direct relatives of former political office holders.
This trend isn’t just about ageit’s about ideology and renewal. When the same actors dominate the space, fresh thinking, innovation, and real reform suffer.
Impacts of the Godfather Complex
• Suppression of Emerging Leaders
Visionary youths, professionals, and technocrats are either blocked, intimidated, or forced into compromise.
• Policy Inconsistency & Stagnation
Leadership becomes about paying back political debts, not solving societal problems.
• Loss of Public Trust
Citizens no longer believe their votes matter. They see outcomes decided long before the ballots are cast.
• Weak Democratic Institutions
When loyalty overrides the rule of law, institutions lose their independence and credibility.
Solutions: Breaking the Chains
• Reform Political Party Structures
Enforce internal party democracy, allowing free, fair, and transparent primaries.
Sanction parties that impose candidates or discourage competition.
• Cap Political Sponsorship Influence
Enact campaign finance reforms to limit the excessive control financiers wield over elected officials.
Promote public campaign funding and transparency.
• Encourage Independent Candidates & Alternatives
Make room for non-party-based candidates in elections, especially at local levels.
Support credible third-force movements that prioritize merit over allegiance.
• Promote Political Literacy & Youth Engagement
Young Nigerians must understand how systems workand how to change them.
Engage in political education, civic action, and strategic entry into party structures.
• Institutionalize Leadership Succession Plans
Like in corporate governance, political offices must begin to adopt succession planning models that prioritize competence, inclusion, and accountability.
“When the old refuse to let go, and the new are afraid to try, progress becomes impossible.” – African Proverb
Conclusion: A Call for Courageous Rebirth
Nigeria must decide whether it wants a future driven by merit, innovation, and people-centered governance, or a past defined by recycled leadership, manipulation, and dynasty politics.
The Godfather Complex has served a few and failed the many.
It is time for a political rebirth that frees the system from generational monopolies and opens the door to a future Nigeria deserves.
Because real change will not come from the ones who benefit from the way things are. It will come from those bold enough to imagine the way things should be and fight for it.
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Co-Founder & Lead Consultant, Global Human Capital & Energy Management Limited
Governance Analyst | Policy Consultant | Strategic Development Advocate | Development Economist
