The Concept of Political Gladiator within the Nigerian political system

ABSTRACT

Godfatherism is an age-old problem in the Nigerian political system, but while some 

see it as a problem, others believe it is a necessity or at the very least a necessary evil. The 

argument of those in support is based on the notion that it can serve as a very viable means to 

an end, where an individual who possesses the right mix of leadership skill and development 

ideas but lacks the financial or political grit has a chance through one Godfather or the other 

to get into public office and eventually be of benefit to the people, a good example 

indefinable would be the immediate past governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola. While 

those on the other side of the fence would argue that the loyalty to the Godfathers often 

overrides the will of such individuals to do what’s right or perform with free hand. 

In the course of this research, it was revealed that the subject of this research, who is 

rightly called a political Gladiator within the Nigerian Political system, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 

fits perfectly, the tag or title of a Political Godfather. This research was able to show how 

gradually and surely Tinubu gained influence within the political system, and also 

consolidated his influence in such a way that he has become a force to reckon with as far as 

politics is concerned in Lagos, the west and Nigeria as a whole. But like all things bright, 

there is always a downside. This research also went on to throw light on the negatives 

attributable to the actions of the subject of the research, Bola Tinubu, and how he has struggle 

to hold on to his influence within the system. 

The research however concluded by making recommendations that if effected within 

the political system, would diminish the influence on ONE over MANY and the strong arm 

of non-state actors like Godfathers on the government and people in public offices, in such a 

way that elected representatives of the people would have the freedom to make policies and 

decisions as they deem necessary to the public rather than for the benefits and interest of those that supposedly put them in power

TABLE OF CONTENT 

CHAPTER ONE 

1.1 Introduction 1 

1.2 Statement of Problems 2 

1.3 Aims and Objectives of Study 3 

1.4 Research Questions 3 

1.5 Significance of the Study 3 

1.6 Scope and Limitations of the Study 4 

1.7 Methodology 4 

1.8 Definition of Terms 5 

1.9 Outline of Chapters 5 

References 7

CHAPTER TWO 

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORITICAL 

2.1. Literature Review 8 

2.1.2 Political Participation 8 

2.1.3 Levels of Political Participation 10 

2.1.4 Political Gladiator 11 

2.1.5 Forms of Gladiatorship 11 

2.1.6 Godfatherism in Nigerian Politics 

2.2 Conceptual, Empirical and Theoretical Framework 18 

 Political Participation Theory 18 

References 21 

CHAPTER THREE 

THE EVOLUTION OF BOLA AHMED TINUBU AS A POLITICAL GLADIATOR IN 

THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM 

3.1 Introduction 23 

3.2 Background of the Political Icon 23 

References 31

CHAPTER FOUR 

IMPACT OF BOLA TINUBU ON THE NIGERIAN POLITICAL SYSTEM 

4.1 Introduction 32 

4.2 The Impacts of Bola Tinubu on the Nigerian Political System 32 

4.3 A Godfather Losing His Grip 37 

References 39 

CHAPTER FIVE 

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 

5.1 Summary of findings 41 

5.2 Conclusion 41 

5.3 Recommendations 42 

BIBLIOGRAPHY 43