The Era of the Kingmakers: Understanding the "New Godfathers" of 2003

The Era of the Kingmakers: Understanding the "New Godfathers" of 2003

The May 26, 2003, edition of Newswatch magazine captured a defining moment in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. 

Titled "The New Godfathers," the cover story exposed the deep-seated influence of political kingmakers who controlled the fates of several state governors across the federation.

Following the 2003 general elections, a new breed of political sponsors emerged. 

These individuals did not just provide financial and grassroots support; they demanded absolute loyalty and a "return on investment" from the governors they helped put into power.

The cover featured the faces of men who were the undisputed "Garrison Commanders" of their regions:

• Chris Uba (Anambra State): Perhaps the most controversial figure of that era. 

His fallout with Governor Chris Ngige led to the infamous July 2003 "Civilian Coup," where a sitting governor was abducted by security forces after refusing to sign away the state’s treasury to his benefactor.

• Lamidi Adedibu (Oyo State): Known as the "Strongman of Ibadan Politics," Adedibu’s brand of "Amala Politics" was built on patronage. 

His eventual rift with Governor Rashidi Ladoja reportedly over the governor's refusal to grant him access to the state’s security vote plunged Oyo State into years of political instability and an illegal impeachment.

• Olusola Saraki (Kwara State): 

A veteran of the Second Republic, Saraki successfully navigated the 2003 elections to install his son, Bukola Saraki, as governor, effectively ending the tenure of the incumbent, Mohammed Lawal.

• Tony Anenih: Popularly called "Mr. Fix-It," Anenih operated at the national level, serving as the ultimate power broker within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and a key ally to President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The Newswatch investigation highlighted the high cost of these political alliances. 

The "price" often included:

1. Cabinet Control: Godfathers insisted on appointing the Commissioners for Finance and Works to oversee state contracts and allocations.

2. Financial Kickbacks: Allegations surfaced of secret agreements where governors were expected to remit a specific percentage of the monthly Federal Allocation to their sponsors.

3. The Ministerial Lobby: At the top of the cover, the headline regarding "Obasanjo’s Ministerial List" showed how these same men were pressuring the presidency to ensure their loyalists occupied federal positions.

The 2003 era is often remembered as the peak of "Godfatherism" in Nigeria a period where the will of the sponsor frequently overrode the needs of the electorate. 

It serves as a reminder of the challenges Nigeria faced in its early years of returning to democratic rule.

While many of these figures have passed on or left the active scene, the legacy of their influence continues to shape how we discuss political loyalty and state resources today.

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