GODFATHERISM AND POLITICAL PARTIES FINANCING IN NIGERIA: ANALYSIS OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTION

Abstract

Godfatherism and political parties financing in Nigeria has been a subject of discourse among scholars, politicians and civil society organizations in recent time. Godfatherism and political parties financing in Nigeria has spawned a huge amount of literature over the years. However, the persistent influence of godfatherism highlighted systemic challenges in the political system. The elections conducted against a backdrop of economic instability, security challenges, and public disillusionment with governance, provided fertile ground for godfathers to assert their dominance. This study examines the pervasive influence of godfatherism in political party financing in Nigeria, particularly during the 2023 general elections. Godfathers play a dominant role in determining electoral outcomes by providing substantial financial resources to political parties and candidates, often at the expense of internal democracy and electoral integrity. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach to explore the relationship between godfatherism and political party financing during Nigeria's 2023 general elections and the theoretical review draws from theories of political economy, elite theory, patron-client theory, and political finance regulation theory. The study reviewed that the political parties financial dependency on godfathers undermines accountability, fosters corruption, and limits opportunities for grassroots participation through findings and concludes by addressing the challenges posed by godfatherism and political party financing requires a multifaceted approach involving regulatory reforms, institutional strengthening, and innovative funding mechanisms.