As the countdown to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections intensifies, the country’s political landscape is being reshaped by a growing wave of defections, internal party rifts, and most notably, the gradual erosion of the once-dominant political godfather system. For decades, godfathers—powerful figures who use their wealth, influence, and political clout to install candidates into office—have controlled the country’s political machinery. However, recent developments suggest that this age-old practice is losing its grip, with several governors now breaking away from their political benefactors, signaling a shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics.
This shift has become one of the defining features of the pre-election period, as party defections and internal crises within major political parties like the PDP (Peoples Democratic Party), LP (Labour Party), NNPP (New Nigeria People’s Party), ADC (All Democratic Congress), and even the ruling APC (All Progressives Congress) dominate the news. The most significant change, however, lies in the unraveling of the political godfatherism that has long been a cornerstone of Nigerian politics.
The Rise of Independent Governors
In what seems to be an increasingly bold trend, governors who once relied on the influence and resources of their political godfathers are now asserting their independence. These governors, who were once protégés to influential figures, are defying their mentors and seeking greater autonomy, often at great political cost. The consequences of such moves are already visible in states like Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Rivers, where the rifts between godfathers and their political successors have reached breaking points.
Kano: Kwankwaso vs Abba Yusuf
One of the most high-profile clashes is unfolding in Kano State, where the relationship between Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his former mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has deteriorated dramatically. Once loyal allies, the two are now at odds over the political future of the state. Reports suggest that Governor Yusuf is planning to defect from the NNPP to the APC, a move that Kwankwaso has vehemently opposed. Kwankwaso, the leader of the NNPP and a former governor of Kano, has stated that he would not endorse Yusuf’s defection to the APC.
Despite Kwankwaso’s objections, sources close to the governor suggest that preparations for his defection are well underway, with a scheduled “deal” date of January 12, 2026. The rift between the two camps has spilled over onto social media, with supporters of both sides exchanging harsh words daily, further polarizing the political scene in Kano.
The fallout has also affected the internal dynamics of the NNPP, with key figures like Hashimu Dungurawa, the state chairman, being ousted and replaced by a known ally of Governor Yusuf. This split within the NNPP has had wider political ramifications, as state lawmakers, local government officials, and party members publicly align themselves with either Yusuf or Kwankwaso.
Despite the political crisis, some observers believe that Yusuf’s potential defection could benefit Kano, with the governor’s supporters arguing that aligning with the ruling APC could bring much-needed federal projects to the state. Kano’s Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the defection as a potential “blessing” for the state, claiming that many federal projects were stalled due to party differences.
Kaduna: El-Rufai vs Uba Sani
A similar struggle for control is playing out in Kaduna, where Governor Uba Sani is clashing with his former mentor, Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of the state. Tensions between the two became public in early 2024 when Sani accused El-Rufai of leaving Kaduna in financial disarray, claiming that the state was unable to pay salaries due to El-Rufai’s mismanagement. El-Rufai denied the accusation, but the rift continued to grow.
The conflict escalated when the Kaduna State House of Assembly launched an investigation into alleged financial improprieties under El-Rufai’s administration. The investigation, which focused on mismanagement of state funds, particularly contracts, has only added fuel to the fire. While El-Rufai has since defected to the ADC, Sani remains in the APC, setting the stage for a major political showdown in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
This rift between El-Rufai and Sani reflects the broader tensions within Nigerian politics, where loyalty is increasingly fluid, and political alliances are no longer as stable as they once were.
Jigawa: A Quiet But Growing Rift
In Jigawa State, political tensions are also simmering between Governor Umar Namadi and his predecessor, Badaru Abubakar. Although the disagreement remains less pronounced than the high-profile clashes in Kano and Kaduna, insiders suggest that the relationship between the two leaders is deteriorating. Political analyst Yusuf Ahmed from Jigawa noted that preparations for the 2027 elections would see a “clash of the titans,” with both the governor and the former governor jostling for influence and control over the state’s political apparatus.
Rivers: Wike vs Fubara
In Rivers State, the political fallout between former Governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has turned into a full-blown crisis. The tension between the two has been escalating ever since Fubara, once considered a protégé of Wike, began asserting his own authority as governor. Despite efforts to reconcile, including Fubara’s temporary suspension and the appointment of an acting administrator, the rift persists.
In a move that sent shockwaves through the political scene, Fubara defected to the ruling APC, further inflaming the rivalry between the two. Wike, who has been outspoken about his dominance in the state, has indicated that he plans to field another candidate for the 2027 elections, further deepening the divide within Rivers politics.
The Decline of Godfatherism: A Positive for Nigerian Democracy?
The unfolding crises in Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, and Rivers are not isolated events. They are part of a larger trend that experts say is gradually dismantling the culture of political godfatherism in Nigeria. In many instances, governors who once owed their rise to powerful political benefactors are now striking out on their own, seeking greater independence and asserting their authority within their states.
Political scientist Professor Kamilu Sani Fage from Bayero University in Kano has argued that the decline of godfatherism is a positive development for Nigerian democracy. “Democracy has nothing to do with godfathers,” he said, adding that the practice of godfatherism often leads to conflicts and power struggles that hinder the effective governance of the state. Fage believes that the erosion of this practice will allow governors to serve the people without undue interference from powerful backers.
However, not everyone shares this view. Some political actors, like Umar Kyari, spokesperson for the PDP in Jigawa State, argue that godfatherism is an inevitable part of Nigerian politics. “In Nigeria, politics cannot work without a godfather; someone who mentors you and brings you into the system,” Kyari said. While he acknowledged the need for godfathers to step back after elections, he stressed that many politicians lack the capacity to succeed without strong backing.
What Lies Ahead for Nigerian Politics?
As Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections, political analysts predict that the rift between godfathers and their protégés will continue to shape the electoral landscape. Whether this signals the end of godfatherism or a mere reshaping of Nigeria’s political structures remains to be seen. One thing is clear: loyalty no longer holds the same weight it once did, and political authority is increasingly being contested by former protégés who now seek to carve out their own paths.
As the political drama continues to unfold, the upcoming elections will be a true test of the country’s political evolution. Will godfatherism finally fade away, or will it simply transform into new forms of power dynamics? Only time will tell, but the battle for control in Nigeria’s political arena is far from over.
