Nigeria\u2019s political space is heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections. Defections, party infighting, and leadership battles are spreading across major parties \u2014 PDP, LP, NNPP, ADC, and even the ruling APC.<\/p>\n
But beyond party drama, one trend is standing out: governors are turning against their godfathers.<\/p>\n
For decades, political godfathers decided who got power \u2014 funding campaigns, controlling structures, and demanding loyalty in return. Now, that grip is slipping.<\/p>\n
Godsons Are Fighting Back<\/p>\n
Since 2023, several governors who rode into office on godfather support have begun asserting independence. The result? Bitter fallouts, divided states, and open power struggles.<\/p>\n
Kano: Yusuf vs Kwankwaso<\/p>\n
In Kano State, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and his longtime mentor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, are now on opposing sides.<\/p>\n
The crisis deepened after reports emerged that Yusuf plans to dump NNPP for the APC \u2014 a move Kwankwaso strongly opposes. Insiders say arrangements are already in motion, with January 12 marked as decision day.<\/p>\n
The fallout has split Kano\u2019s political class. Commissioners, lawmakers, and council chairmen are openly choosing sides. The NNPP state chairman loyal to Kwankwaso has already been removed and replaced with a Yusuf ally.<\/p>\n
Kano\u2019s Information Commissioner even described a possible APC defection as \u201ca blessing,\u201d arguing that Kano has suffered for being outside the ruling party.<\/p>\n
Kaduna: El-Rufai vs Uba Sani<\/p>\n
In Kaduna, Governor Uba Sani has fallen out with his political benefactor, former governor Nasir El-Rufai.<\/p>\n
The fight went public when Sani accused El-Rufai of leaving massive debts and unpaid salaries behind. Lawmakers later accused El-Rufai\u2019s administration of financial misconduct and called for investigations.<\/p>\n
El-Rufai has since moved to ADC, while Sani remains in APC \u2014 setting the stage for a major clash in 2027.<\/p>\n
Jigawa: Quiet Tension Brewing<\/p>\n
In Jigawa State, relations between Governor Umar Namadi and former governor Badaru Abubakar are reportedly strained. While the conflict is low-key for now, political watchers say a showdown is inevitable as 2027 approaches.<\/p>\n
Rivers: Wike vs Fubara<\/p>\n
The Rivers crisis between Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara turned explosive \u2014 shutting down the House of Assembly and destabilizing local councils.<\/p>\n
Though Fubara later sought peace and defected to APC, the tension remains. Wike has openly declared himself the state\u2019s political leader and is widely believed to be backing a new candidate for 2027. Pro-Wike lawmakers have even initiated impeachment moves.<\/p>\n
This Is Not New<\/p>\n
Nigeria has seen this script before \u2014 Aminu Kano vs Abubakar Rimi, Adedibu vs Ladoja, Bafarawa vs Wamakko. Godfather battles often end in chaos, defections, and lasting political scars.<\/p>\n
Experts Weigh In<\/p>\n
Professor Kamilu Sani Fage of Bayero University says godfatherism has no place in democracy.<\/p>\n
\u201cGodfathers don\u2019t invest in candidates for public good but personal gain. That\u2019s why these alliances always collapse,\u201d he said, adding that their decline will strengthen democracy.<\/p>\n
Not everyone agrees. PDP spokesman in Jigawa, Umar Kyari, insists godfatherism is still unavoidable in Nigerian politicAl space<\/p>\n
As 2027 draws closer, one thing is clear: the era of unquestioned godfather control is under threat. Whether this leads to stronger democracy or deeper instability remains to be seen \u2014 but the battles have clearly begun.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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