Several governors have assumed their positions with the backing of their predecessors, navigating through a field of competing politicians. These dynamics are common in Nigeria, where conflicts often arise between political godfathers and their proteges, commonly referred to as godsons. Recent notable conflicts include Rabiu Kwankwaso versus Umar Ganduje, Peter Obi versus Willie Obiano, and Udom Emmanuel versus Godswill Akpabio, among others. Currently, the attention is on the clash between Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, as well as the conflict between former governor Nasir El-Rufai and Governor Uba Sani in Kaduna.
However, some states have experienced smooth transitions from incumbents to successors, avoiding significant conflicts that attract media attention.
Kano State:
Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor, has demonstrated adeptness as a political mentor, supporting his former deputy, Umar Ganduje, for the governorship seat in 2015. Despite initial challenges, the same ticket proved successful in subsequent elections, with both Kwankwaso and his son-in-law, Abba Yusuf, directing efforts towards Ganduje.
Jigawa:
The relationship between Abubakar Badaru, former governor and current Minister of Defence, and his successor Umar Namadi has remained peaceful. Badaru’s endorsement of his deputy as his successor in 2019 was smoothly executed.
Delta:
In 2023, Delta State witnessed a departure from tradition as Ifeanyi Okowa’s candidate, Sheriff Oborevwori, defeated the candidate endorsed by former governor James Ibori. Okowa cited fairness and respect for rotational politics within the state in explaining his decision.
Enugu:
Former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi’s support for Peter Mbah before the primaries in 2022 resulted in a successful retention of the state by the PDP. While Ugwuanyi focuses on national politics, Mbah appears to handle governance in Enugu State with harmony between the two.
Sokoto:
Aliyu Wamakko’s endorsement of Aminu Tambuwal in 2015 led to a fallout, but his support for Ahmad Aliyu in subsequent years indicates contentment with the political arrangement in Sokoto State.
Kebbi:
Atiku Bagudu’s backing of Nasir Idris during the primaries in Kebbi State resulted in a victory, with no power struggles observed between Bagudu and his successor.
Akwa Ibom:
In Akwa Ibom, the transition from the former governor to the current one has been smooth, with no evident power struggles over control of the party structure.
Cross River:
Governor Bassey Otu and his predecessor, Ben Ayade, appear to have a cooperative relationship since the last election, with Ayade relinquishing control of the political structure to his successor.
Ebonyi:
Dave Umahi’s nomination of Francis Nwifuru as the APC candidate in Ebonyi State led to a victory, with Umahi focusing on federal duties while the governor manages affairs at the state level.
Overall, while conflicts between political godfathers and their proteges are common in Nigeria, some states have managed transitions smoothly without attracting significant media attention. Notably, President Bola Tinubu’s influence as a political godfather has been prominent, orchestrating the elevation of three governors in Lagos State since 2007 while maintaining control over the state’s political structure.