(International Journal of Politics and Good Governance, 2013-05-10) Alabi Abdullahi & Sakariyau, Rauf Tunde
Political godfatherism is one of the factors that embedded democratic setting in Nigeria since
first republic. In view of this, this research work is primarily designed to examine democracy and
politics of godfatherism in Nigeria with emphasis on its effects and way forward. The study
adopts primary and secondary data to analyze some critical issues, like political violence, vote
buying, disenfranchisement and some other political and socio-cultural factors that embedded
democratic setting in Nigeria since 1999 till current political dispensation engaged by godfathers
and godsons. The study further explores the relationship between godfathers and godsons with a
particular attention to who become the next strongmen in the area of politics and who retains the
status quo. This study examines some key concepts, such as democracy, political violence and
political godfatherism. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations in order to ensure
good governance and political stability in Nigeria.