Edo 2024: Enahoro Warns Against Return Of Godfatherism In Edo State
By Hon. Sonia O. Orobor
Renowned political analyst, and Director General, The Ighodalo Movement for Edo People (TIME) Engr. Dr. Mike O. Enahoro has sounded the alarm on the potential return of political godfatherism in Edo State, citing the upcoming election as a crucial moment to reject this undemocratic practice.
In a recent article titled “Breaking Free From Political Bossism: A Call For Sustained Change”, the prolific writer, Enahoro highlighted the distinction between political godfatherism and the power of incumbency, using the Oshiomhole vs Obaseki example as a case study. He emphasized that godfatherism, as exemplified by Oshiomhole’s history of imposing candidates and controlling the state’s politics, undermines democracy, perpetuates corruption, and stifles growth.
Enahoro warned that if Oshiomhole’s candidate, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, emerges victorious, it would signal the return of godfatherism to the state. He stressed that this would perpetuate a system where one individual’s whims dictate the state’s trajectory, leading to stagnant development, rampant corruption, and disregard for the people’s will.
In contrast, the TIME Director General, Engr. Enahoro noted that the power of incumbency, as seen in Governor Godwin Obaseki’s support for Barr. Asuerinme Ighodalo is not equivalent to godfatherism. He cited examples such as Adams Oshiomhole’s support for Godwin Obaseki in Edo State, Rabiu Kwakwaso’s support for Abdullahi Ganduje in Kano State, Nyeson Wike’s support for Sim Fubara in Rivers State, and many others where the incumbents supported their successors without guaranteeing control over the subsequent administration.
The political analyst and public communicator, Enahoro urged Edo State voters to recognize the difference between godfatherism and incumbency advantage, rejecting the former to ensure a brighter future for the state. He emphasized that the election presents an opportunity to break free finally from the norm of political godfatherism and embrace a new era of inclusive, people-centered politics.
The article has sparked a lively debate among political pundits, with many hailing Enahoro’s clarification as a significant contribution to the understanding of Nigeria’s complex political landscape.
