By The Historica Nigeria
Recent comments attributed to the leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, regarding his confidence in Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo have once again brought a recurring issue in Nigerian politics into public discussion, the phenomenon of political godfatherism.
According to reports, Kwankwaso stated that while he has confidence in Gwarzo’s abilities and contributions to the movement, he cannot guarantee that he would remain loyal forever, citing his experiences with political associates who later charted their own paths after attaining positions of power.
Beyond the personalities involved, the statement raises a much broader question that continues to shape Nigeria’s political landscape. That should the future of leadership be determined primarily by loyalty to political benefactors or by competence, capacity, vision, and the ability to deliver good governance?
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Political godfatherism is not unique to Kano State or Nigeria. It exists in many democracies in different forms. Experienced politicians often mentor younger leaders, support emerging talents, and help build political structures. In itself, mentorship is not a problem. In fact, it is necessary for leadership continuity.
The challenge begins when political endorsement becomes more important than merit.
Across Nigeria, there are countless examples where political godfathers have used their influence to determine who becomes councillor, chairman, legislator, governor, or even president. In many cases, candidates emerge not because they are the most qualified or capable, but because they are considered loyal to powerful political figures.
Unfortunately, governance often suffers when competence is sacrificed for loyalty.
The ultimate victims are not the politicians themselves. The victims are the ordinary citizens who depend on government policies, public infrastructure, quality education, healthcare services, security, and economic opportunities.
A leader may be loyal to a political benefactor but still lack the capacity to manage complex governmental responsibilities. Loyalty alone cannot build roads, attract investment, improve schools, create jobs, or formulate sound public policies.
History has repeatedly shown that some of the most successful leaders emerged through open competition and public acceptance, while some of the biggest disappointments came from political arrangements driven solely by personal loyalty and political calculations.
Another lesson from Nigerian politics is that loyalty itself is often temporary.
Many political godfathers have sponsored candidates believing they would remain politically indebted forever. Yet once in office, realities change. New alliances emerge. Political interests evolve. Ambitions expand. Relationships shift.
This explains why many political disputes in Nigeria originate from disagreements between political mentors and their former protégés.
The reality is simple, that democracy belongs to the people, not to political godfathers.
Political leaders should therefore approach succession planning with a sense of responsibility to society rather than personal political interests. The central question should not be who is most loyal to a political structure, but who possesses the competence, integrity, vision, and leadership qualities necessary to serve the public effectively.
Fear of God should also guide political decisions.
Leadership is a trust. Public office is not a private inheritance to be transferred from one loyal associate to another. Every political actor must remember that leadership decisions affect millions of lives, families, and communities.
When politicians use their influence to impose individuals who lack capacity merely because they are loyal, society bears the consequences through poor governance, underdevelopment, unemployment, insecurity, and missed opportunities.
Nigeria’s democracy can only grow stronger when internal party processes allow qualified individuals to compete fairly and when voters are given genuine choices rather than predetermined outcomes.
Political leaders have every right to support candidates they believe in. However, that support should be based on competence, performance, character, and public acceptance rather than blind loyalty.
As the 2027 political season gathers momentum, politicians across the country must remember that power is temporary, but the consequences of leadership decisions can last for generations.
The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends not on the strength of political godfathers, but on the emergence of capable leaders who can deliver results for the people.
In the end, history rarely remembers who imposed a leader. History remembers whether that leader succeeded or failed in improving the lives of the people.