Nigeria's Unresponsive Democratization: What Role for Political God-fatherism?

Open Access

Abstract

The study analytical explores the presupposed interplay between political godfatherism and the current state of democratization through the tenets of elite theory. Upon reviewing relevant literature, it is concluded that while political godfatherism may have penetrated and co-existed alongside institutional of liberal democracy as it also thought to affect policy or electoral outcomes, it does not reflect the entirety of politics as practiced in Nigeria. In its numerous dimensions however, it has not only hindered the institutionalization of democracy it has also accorded for the avenue to personify political offices and personalize the state at large. To address this trend the study proposes the need for relevant stakeholders to propagate and upholds the rule of law at all times, without offering preferential treatment to any persons or groups. Conclusively, it argues the need to strengthen institutions of liberal democracy through legal, legislative and executive will, should democratization responds in Africa's most populous democracy.