Obaseki, Desmond Elliot, and ‘Godfatherism’

In the quest to seek power, many persons have gone to lengths that are often questionable. The desire to occupy political offices has also birthed tags like ‘godfather’ and ‘political thug’.

Whichever category that seem potent in the Nigerian political scene, we cannot deny the underlying influence of godfathers. They play significant roles in ensuring that their preferred candidates get elected into the corridors of power.

Nollywood actor-turn-politician Desmond Elliot was first elected as a representative of Surulere Constituency, Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015.

Often, his projects have come under attack by some citizens because more was expected of him. But still, the people managed what he gave out as constituency projects and wagged their tongues afterward.

Godfatherism and its stronghold

Desmond Elliot’s recent comment on the Edo state elections spurred the criticisms he has received so far. According to the former movie star, the slogan used by Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to canvass for votes, was unnecessary.

In his quest for re-election as the governor of Edo state, Obaseki constantly quipped that ‘Edo no be Lagos’. He further stated that godfatherism cannot stand in the state as it had taken the rein in Lagos.

It will be recalled that Elliot got elected under the All Progressives Congress (APC). He stated that there is nothing wrong with godfatherism. Besides, he is a product of it.

Also, the All Progressives Congress has come under attack for holding on to power through the use of godfatherism. Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the former governor of Lagos state and national leader of the APC. It is no news that he is a potent godfather. He sees to who gets elected in the party, most notably the office of the governor of Lagos state.

This is more reason Obaseki declared that ‘Edo is not Lagos’. The people of Edo must decide who becomes their governor, instead of one godfather -Adams Oshiomhole in reference.

‘Edo no be Lagos’

The leader of the APC in Edo state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole has “bragged” about his ability to put in the governor of the state through his influence.

However, reverse was the case when the results were announced on September 20, 2020. Governor Godwin Obaseki got back his mandate as the canopy of godfatherism in Edo state fell yakata – like a pack of cards.

Elliot, in a bid not to ‘bite the hands that fed him’, praised Tinubu and his influence in his election. While telling his truth, Elliot placed a stamp on an inappropriate way of doing things.

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The electorate should decide who becomes governor. Not some godfather who obviously cares more about his personal interests. At this point, the Nollywood personality goofed.

Perhaps, when he made that statement, he did not care as to whose ox is gored. Or, he is one of the ‘leaders of today’ who feeds from the table of the ‘leaders of yesterday’, and cannot afford to show disloyalty.

As odd as it may seem, Desmond Elliot represents many youths who hawk the same ideology without feeling the weight of its consequences on their heads.

Can Nigeria be great again?

In order to fill the belly of their selfish desires, these godfathers create many years of stagnation for the next generation to tackle. The quest to stay in power and satisfy the passion for greed places the nation at the receiving end as the citizens are denied of their rights.

The country is presently struggling with creating stable power supply and providing basic amenities for her citizens even after almost 60 years of independence.

Nigeria has a long way to go. And that is putting it mildly for the sake of the few who remain committed and continue to have faith in the greatness of this nation.

The people of Edo state went to the polling units on a wet Saturday. They pitched their tents under an ‘umbrella’ and voted for their preferred candidate.

Edo state has showed what it takes to defy the stereotype. This is an example for the electorate in other states.

Edo no be Lagos. No truer words were ever spoken.