ABSTRACT
Godfatherism is an age-old problem in the Nigerian political system, but while some
see it as a problem, others believe it is a necessity or at the very least a necessary evil. The
argument of those in support is based on the notion that it can serve as a very viable means to
an end, where an individual who possesses the right mix of leadership skill and development
ideas but lacks the financial or political grit has a chance through one Godfather or the other
to get into public office and eventually be of benefit to the people, a good example
indefinable would be the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola. While
those on the other side of the fence would argue that the loyalty to the Godfathers often
overrides the will of such individuals to do what’s right or perform with free hand.
In the course of this research, it was revealed that the subject of this research, who is
rightly called a political Gladiator within the Nigerian Political system, Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
fits perfectly, the tag or title of a Political Godfather. This research was able to show how
gradually and surely Tinubu gained influence within the political system, and also
consolidated his influence in such a way that he has become a force to reckon with as far as
politics is concerned in Lagos, the west and Nigeria as a whole. But like all things bright,
there is always a downside. This research also went on to throw light on the negatives
attributable to the actions of the subject of the research, Bola Tinubu, and how he has struggle
to hold on to his influence within the system.
The research however concluded by making recommendations that if effected within
the political system, would diminish the influence on ONE over MANY and the strong arm
of non-state actors like Godfathers on the government and people in public offices, in such a
way that elected representatives of the people would have the freedom to make policies and
decisions as they deem necessary to the public rather than for the benefits and interest of those that supposedly put them in power
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Statement of Problems 2
1.3 Aims and Objectives of Study 3
1.4 Research Questions 3
1.5 Significance of the Study 3
1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study 4
1.7 Methodology 4
1.8 Definition of Terms 5
1.9 Outline of Chapters 5
References 7
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORITICAL
2.1. Literature Review 8
2.1.2 Political Participation 8
2.1.3 Levels of Political Participation 10
2.1.4 Political Gladiator 11
2.1.5 Forms of Gladiatorship 11
2.1.6 Godfatherism in Nigerian Politics
2.2 Conceptual, Empirical and Theoretical Framework 18
Political Participation Theory 18
References 21
CHAPTER THREE
THE EVOLUTION OF BOLA AHMED TINUBU AS A POLITICAL GLADIATOR IN
THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
3.1 Introduction 23
3.2 Background of the Political Icon 23
References 31
CHAPTER FOUR
IMPACT OF BOLA TINUBU ON THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM
4.1 Introduction 32
4.2 The Impacts of Bola Tinubu on the Nigerian Political System 32
4.3 A Godfather Losing His Grip 37
References 39
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary of findings 41
5.2 Conclusion 41
5.3 Recommendations 42
BIBLIOGRAPHY 43
