Shekarau Warns Against the Dangers of Godfatherism in Nigerian Politics

Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, former Governor of Kano State and seasoned politician, has issued a stern warning about the dangers of godfatherism in the selection of political leaders in Nigeria.

Speaking at a recent retreat organised for members of the National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) and top management staff of the National Assembly in Abuja, Shekarau expressed concerns over the negative impact that godfatherism has on the nation’s political system.

He emphasised that this practice, which allows powerful individuals to hand-pick leaders based on personal interests rather than merit, is responsible for the emergence of incompetent and morally bankrupt politicians.

The retreat, which ran for four days, provided a platform for Shekarau to deliver a thought-provoking paper titled Challenges of Operating in Political Environment by Public Officers.

During his presentation, he highlighted the crucial role of public service in shaping society and the importance of selecting leaders based on competence and integrity.

His address was a call to action for political parties and stakeholders to shift away from the toxic tradition of godfatherism, which he argued has significantly hampered Nigeria’s progress.

In his address, Shekarau made it clear that the ongoing practice of godfatherism in Nigeria’s political landscape must be reformed. He explained that this system leads to the selection of individuals who lack the necessary experience and moral integrity to hold public office.

According to Shekarau, when leaders are chosen based on their connections to powerful political figures rather than their qualifications, the country inevitably suffers.

He stated, “The situation where financial worthiness or godfatherism determines who gets elected or appointed into leadership positions must change.

Otherwise, we shall continue to have inexperienced, incompetent, selfish and morally bankrupt people as political leaders in public service.”

Shekarau further warned that if this pattern persists, Nigeria will continue to grapple with poor leadership, resulting in self-serving policies that prioritise personal gain over national development.

He emphasised that leadership should be based on merit, experience, and a genuine desire to serve the people, not on the influence of political godfathers or the financial status of candidates.

One of the key points Shekarau raised during his speech was the responsibility of political parties in ensuring that only capable individuals are presented for leadership positions.

He argued that political parties have a critical role to play in the selection process, as they are the gatekeepers who decide which candidates run for office.

“Political parties must ensure that only the right people get elected into party leadership positions, and who will, in turn, ensure that only credible, experienced, and level-headed party members are presented as candidates to contest, or be appointed to any public office at all levels,” Shekarau remarked.

He called for political parties to reassess their internal selection processes and focus on promoting individuals who are not only experienced but also possess the moral compass to lead with integrity.

According to Shekarau, this shift is essential if Nigeria is to move forward and overcome the many challenges it faces in governance.

Shekarau’s concerns extend beyond the immediate effects of godfatherism. He warned that poor leadership in public service could have far-reaching consequences for the entire country.

Public officers, he argued, play a critical role in determining the trajectory of national development, and if those in leadership positions are driven by selfish interests, the country will continue to struggle with ineffective policies and governance failures.

“Though public service represents just a minor fraction of the population it serves, it determines the progress or otherwise of the entire society,” Shekarau explained.

This statement underlines the importance of strong, ethical leadership in public service and the need for reforms to ensure that the best candidates are appointed to key positions in government.

Shekarau’s critique of godfatherism also touches on the broader issue of political corruption in Nigeria.

The influence of powerful individuals in determining who gets elected or appointed to public office has long been a source of concern, with many arguing that it undermines democracy and hinders the development of strong institutions.

By calling for a change in this practice, Shekarau is advocating for a political system that is based on merit and accountability, where leaders are chosen for their ability to serve the people rather than their connections to the political elite.

Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau’s warning against the dangers of godfatherism in Nigeria’s political system is a timely reminder of the urgent need for reforms.

His call for political parties to prioritise merit and integrity over personal connections is not only relevant but essential for the country’s progress.

Without addressing the issue of godfatherism, Nigeria risks perpetuating a cycle of poor leadership that will continue to undermine its development.

Political parties and stakeholders must heed Shekarau’s call and take proactive steps to ensure that the selection of leaders is based on competence and a commitment to public service.

Only then can Nigeria hope to overcome the challenges it faces and move towards a future of effective governance and sustainable development.

The change, as Shekarau asserts, must begin with the political parties and their approach to selecting candidates for public office.