State executives seek total control ahead of 2027 polls
The political atmosphere across Nigeria has become increasingly charged as several state governors have reportedly launched coordinated efforts to dismantle existing “godfather” structures within their territories.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, many first-term and second-term governors are moving to consolidate their grip on party machineries, often at the expense of the benefactors who helped them into office. This strategic shift on Friday, January 9, 2026, signals a period of intense internal friction within both the ruling APC and the opposition PDP.
Political analysts observe that the “godfatherism” era is facing its toughest challenge yet as governors leverage their executive powers to appoint loyalists into key party positions. In states like Rivers, Edo, and Kano, the battle for supremacy between sitting governors and their predecessors has reached a fever pitch. These moves are seen as essential for governors who wish to either seek re-election or influence who succeeds them without interference from external political heavyweights.
According to sources within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), there is a growing consensus among state executives that “absolute loyalty” is the only currency for political survival in the current climate. By systematically removing the influence of those who consider themselves “kingmakers,” the governors aim to become the ultimate authorities in their respective states. This trend is expected to redefine the outcome of party primaries and the general conduct of the 2027 elections.
Dismantling the kingmaker influence in the states
The campaign to end the reign of political godfathers is manifesting through various administrative and legislative actions across the country. Governors are reportedly using local government reforms and the dissolution of various boards to weed out individuals loyal to their former mentors. This “cleansing” process has led to a series of legal battles and public spats, further heating up the national political temperature.
In some instances, the push for independence has led governors to explore alternative political platforms, contributing to the recent surge in defections to “Third Force” parties like the ADC. The desire to escape the “stranglehold” of godfatherism is cited as a primary motivator for these movements. Experts warn that while this may empower the governors, it also risks creating new “emperor-like” figures who are unaccountable to the traditional power-sharing arrangements of their parties.
The casualty list of this political war continues to grow, with several veteran politicians finding themselves sidelined or completely expelled from the parties they once dominated. The PDP, in particular, has seen significant internal bleeding as its national leadership struggles to mediate between warring governors and entrenched elders. The APC is not immune, as the Tinubu administration attempts to balance its national agenda with the localized ambitions of its powerful state executives.
Impact on 2027 electoral stability and party unity
As the governors continue their “de-godfathering” mission, concerns are rising regarding the long-term stability of the nation’s democratic institutions. The concentration of power in the hands of a few state executives could potentially lead to the suppression of internal democracy during the selection of candidates. Critics argue that replacing old godfathers with new “state-sponsored” ones does little to improve the quality of governance or the freedom of the electorate.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and various civil society organizations are monitoring the situation closely, fearing that the “charged atmosphere” could lead to pre-election violence. The struggle for control over party structures often spills over into the public space, leading to protests and clashes between rival youth groups. There is a call for political leaders to prioritize the stability of the country over their personal quest for absolute territorial control.
With the 2027 elections still over a year away, the intensity of these power struggles suggests that the road to the polls will be characterized by unprecedented legal and political drama. The success or failure of these governors in dismantling the godfather structures will ultimately determine the new hierarchy of power in Nigeria. For the average citizen, the hope remains that these elite battles do not distract from the urgent need for economic recovery and national security.
