POLITICAL GODFATHERISM AND DOMINANCE IN NIGERIAN POLITY: A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE

The persistence of political godfatherism in Nigeria poses a stiff challenge to the democratic consolidation and the socio-economic development of the country. This study, therefore, examine the widespread phenomenon of political godfatherism and supremacy in the Nigerian polity in a holistic biblical perspective. Specifically, the paper defines and describes the phenomenon of political godfatherism and its hegemony in Nigeria, how political godfatherism works, and its effects. Besides, it examines a wider scope of applicable biblical doctrines as they pertain to leadership, application of power, seeking of justice, and the nature of community welfare with the aim of identifying fundamental principles that could be used in political governance. Drawing upon a qualitative research design, this paper employs a theological-ethical analysis to interpret both Old and New Testament biblical texts relevant to leadership, power, justice, and community. Secondary data includes academic literature on Nigerian politics and godfatherism. Findings reveal a sharp difference between the principles of operating political godfathers as favouritism, exploitation of the power of influence, and reckless possession of authority and the foundational biblical concepts of justice (mishpat), righteousness (tzedakah), servant leadership, and accountability. The paper sums up that the biblical doctrines can offer a solid moral and ethical stance that will help criticize and eventually change the processes of political godfatherism. The paper recommends application of biblically motivated leadership styles by politicians, prophetic involvement of religious organizations, and civic responsibility on the part of the citizens as a way of promoting fairer and just rule in Nigeria.