Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has accused certain politicians of hypocrisy, challenging those who publicly denounce godfatherism while privately benefiting from the practice. He argued that credible opposition to the phenomenon must be matched by personal consistency.
Akpabio delivered his remarks on Saturday during the launch of The Burdens of Legislators in Nigeria, a book by former Senator Effiong Bob. The event, held at the Nigerian Air Force Conference Centre in Abuja, was chaired by former Senate President David Mark.
Speaking on the issue of godfatherism—a common reference to powerful political patrons who handpick successors—Akpabio highlighted what he described as contradictory behaviour among some political actors. He specifically referenced a member of a state House of Assembly who is the son of a “distinguished senator” and has publicly opposed the practice.
“Since you’re against godfatherism, maybe you’ll withdraw your son from the House of Assembly as a starting point of showing that you’re against godfatherism,” Akpabio stated.
He further contended that condemning godfatherism while maintaining familial political appointments is logically flawed. “You cannot be saying something on the left-hand side and practising it on the right. Otherwise, that will amount to approbating and reprobating,” he said, using a legal maxim to underscore the inconsistency.
Despite his criticism, Akpabio acknowledged the performance of the legislator in question, noting he is on his second term and serves as a leader within his state House of Assembly. “But let the boy remain. He’s even doing his second term in the House,” he added.
The comments underscore a persistent debate in Nigerian politics about patronage and succession. Godfatherism is frequently cited as a barrier to internal democracy within parties, often concentrating power in the hands of a few influential figures. Akpabio’s stance, as the presiding officer of the Senate, brings a high-profile voice to calls for integrity in political discourse. His challenge suggests that legislative rhetoric on democratic renewal must be matched by tangible actions from political leaders themselves. The incident also reflects the complex interplay of personal loyalty, political dynasty, and public anti-patronage sentiment that shapes Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
