Paper long abstract:

Godfather politics has cast a dark shadow on Nigeria's return to democracy. The calculated influence of powerful individuals in the selection of political party nominees and the manipulation of electoral results to secure political office for such persons in order to service their private interests has so far played a major role in shaping democratic processes in Nigeria.

American writer and journalist, Ambrose Bierce has described politics as "a strife of interest masquerading as a contest of principles; the conduct of public affairs for private advantage", Chief Audu Ogbeh, the former Chairman of the PDP (Nigeria's governing party) has echoed this sentiment by describing "the crisis of politics in Nigeria as the management of mischief". This paper seeks to investigate the "godfather" phenomenon and what it says about political party financing practices in Nigeria as well as its electoral practices. This paper will also explore how godfatherism aligns itself with popular political discourses on democratisation in Africa.

The ritual of elections has often been upheld as a crucial characteristic of political participation and representation. On the flipside of this viewpoint is the argument that though the process of elections might indicate an expansion of democratic space and signify political contestation it very well can occur as a mere façade covering up the asphyxiated "prospects of alternation of power". This paper will hopefully examine both sides of this debate.

The campaign finance fiasco in Anambra state, Southeast Nigeria reveals how notorious and ingrained the problem of godfatherism is. Political affairs in Anambra after the 2003 elections unfolded themselves like scenes from a very bizarre and disturbing stage show. The round of gubernatorial elections that ushered in Chief Chris Nwabueze Ngige into office was also the official debut of (arguably) Anambra's most infamous and litigious character, self-proclaimed godfather Chief Chris Uba.

Chief Uba was quoted in many national papers boasting that he single-handedly installed all elected officials in the state and was wholly responsible for Dr Ngige's victory at the polls. Simultaneously, Dr. Ngige ascribed high praises to Chief Uba, acknowledging that his gubernatorial success had a lot to do with Uba's influence. This cosy "godfather - godson" relationship however went horribly sour when allegedly Ngige refused to honour his side of the agreement he'd made with Uba on state contracts and finance. This 'flagrant impudence' infuriated Chief Uba and with the help of the state Police Force he abducted 'democratically - elected' governor Ngige and using his connections in the state House of Assembly removed him from office. Ngige's nightmare was luckily ended when he was rescued and reinstated. This however was not the end of this battle of elephants and as the adage goes it's the grass that suffers, in this case the people of Anambra state.