Godfatherism and the Democratic Culture in Nigeria

Plato and Aristotle judged that any political institution could not be discussed without their proper goals and that is the happiness of and well being of its citizens which could be achieved if the political leaders are able to secure the peace and unity of the polity they lead. Hence, the main aim of politics is virtuous pursuit of the common good of all the citizens both leaders and the lead. Machiavelli deviated from this standard and tradition set by his predecessors thereby making politics to be autonomous, having nothing to do with morality. This Machiavellian principle has raised its ugly head in Nigeria polity in the name of godfatherism.In the Nigeria situation,this Machiavelian principle has been swallowed hook line and sinker by politicians and the effect is crises of democratization, good governance and development. However, in order not to fold hands and bemoan our woes,the author uses the paradigm of his philosophic prowess to proffer some suggestion through which this threat of godfatherism can be eradicated. This book is definitely a valuable material for students, scholars,activists and all those interested in Nigeria,its current problems and its future prospects.