Governance Under Influence: Nine Governors Still Tied To Their Godfathers After A Year

Many of these governors rose to power with the backing of their predecessors, who cleared the way for them amid numerous other contenders.

In Nigeria, conflicts between political godfathers and their protégés are quite common. Some notable recent feuds include those between Rabiu Kwankwaso and Umar Ganduje, Peter Obi and Willie Obiano, Udom Emmanuel and Godswill Akpabio, Adams Oshiomhole and Godwin Obaseki, and Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola.

On the other hand, President Bola Tinubu stands out as a particularly successful godfather in Nigeria’s current democratic era. Since 2007, he has managed to install three governors in Lagos State while maintaining control over the political structure.

Recently, the dispute between Governor Similayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has captured significant attention.

In Kaduna, former governor Nasir El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani are engaged in an ongoing battle. Similarly, in Benue State, Governor Alia and ex-governor George Akume are locked in a power struggle over the party’s control.

However, in some states, the relationship between the incumbent governors and their predecessors has remained peaceful, with any disagreements not making headlines.

Enugu State

Former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, a member of the notable G5 group, endorsed Peter Mbah ahead of the 2022 primaries. Despite the strong push from the Labour Party during the election, the PDP retained control of the state. Although Ugwuanyi lost his senatorial bid to Labour Party’s Okechukwu Ezea, he has not commented on state governance since leaving office, indicating a harmonious relationship with his successor.

Kebbi State

Former Governor Atiku Bagudu supported Nasir Idris during the primaries, leading to his victory over former Senate Majority Leader Yahaya Abdullahi. Bagudu’s backing of Idris, former President of the Teachers’ Union, discouraged other heavyweights like former Attorney General Abubakar Malami from entering the race. One year into Idris’s administration, there have been no public disputes between Bagudu, now a top minister in Bola Tinubu’s government, and his successor.

Kano State

After enduring eight years of political challenges from his former deputy, Rabiu Kwankwaso has embraced his role as a godfather. In 2015, he reluctantly supported Umar Ganduje, which almost cost him his political influence. However, in 2019 and 2023, he successfully backed his son-in-law, Abba Yusuf, who won the governorship. Both Kwankwaso and Yusuf are currently focused on opposing Ganduje.

Jigawa State

The relationship between Minister of Defence and former Governor Abubakar Badaru and his successor, Umar Namadi, has been notably smooth. Badaru selected Namadi, his deputy since 2019, as his successor, demonstrating a well-planned succession strategy. So far, there have been no public conflicts between them.

Delta State

In a departure from tradition, James Ibori’s candidate did not win the 2023 governorship in Delta State. Although Ibori endorsed Emmanuel Uduaghan and later Ifeanyi Okowa, Okowa supported Sheriff Oborevwori over Ibori’s preferred candidate, David Edevbie. Despite this, there have been no public disputes between Okowa and Oborevwori since the election.

Sokoto State

Aliyu Wamakko has been a key player in Sokoto State politics since 1999. After a contentious fallout with Aminu Tambuwal in 2015, he successfully backed Ahmad Aliyu last year. The relationship between Wamakko and Aliyu has remained peaceful.

Akwa Ibom State

Udom Emmanuel, the former governor, won a tough battle against his godfather, Godswill Akpabio, and later endorsed Umo Eno as his successor. Emmanuel’s decision, announced as a divine revelation, has not led to any public conflicts with Eno.

Ebonyi State

Dave Umahi, known for his assertive leadership, ensured his successor, Francis Nwifuru, emerged as governor. Umahi, now the Minister of Works, has maintained a focus on his federal responsibilities, while Nwifuru manages state affairs without interference.

Cross River State

Governor Bassey Otu and his predecessor, Ben Ayade, have maintained a cordial relationship. Despite a fierce primary battle and Ayade’s subsequent political irrelevance after losing his senatorial bid, there have been no public conflicts between him and Otu.

These examples highlight the varying dynamics between current governors and their predecessors, ranging from fierce battles to peaceful coexistence.

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