Assessment of Godfatherism and Internal Democracy on Infrastructural Development in Edo State, Nigeria
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Date
2025-06-13
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Nexus International University
Abstract
Abstract. Godfatherism is a means through which the
leadership of political parties is imposing the surrogate
candidates into political positions for the purpose of
serving interest on their behalf. Godfatherism and
internal democracy in Edo State end up in rift to
suspension, political conflict to defections, violence to
civil unrest and litigations in the courts of law which
have negative impact on infrastructural development.
The study examines an assessment of godfatherism
and internal democracy in Edo State. The target area
of the study includes State Party Executive of All
Progressive Congress (APC) and (PDP), Local
Government Executive APC and PDP, Electorates
APC and PDP, INEC, Academias and Civil Society.
The study adopted analytical and descriptive research
types and the study used primary and secondary
sources of gathered data. The objective of the study is
to examine the factors that contributed to the trend of
godfatherism in Edo State. Findings revealed that,
godsons' preference for political survival above
administration has a detrimental effect on public
services and infrastructure. It also revealed that
political parties' financial limitations encourage
corruption, erode internal democracy. Therefore, the
study recommended that, electioneering campaigning
funds should come directly from consolidated funds
established by federal government; political parties in
Edo State should implement transparent and
democratic systems in candidate selection to eliminate
the power of godfathers and the state government and
relevant stake holders should develop long-term
strategies for sustainable infrastructure development
in Edo State.