Scientific Study from the year 2017 in the subject Politics - Basics and General, grade: 5, , course: Political Science and Governance, language: English, abstract: In the developing world of Africa, transition of a group of people into the class of political elites is mostly facilitated by a 'godfather' (a prominent member of the elite class) or a network of godfathers. Both the sub-elite and non-elite could be recruited into the political elite class when they agree to meet the strident conditions for such a recruitment exercise.The godfather is a self-seeking enigma with material frame of opulence, affluence and influence mixed with ruthless decisiveness. Political godfathers use their influence to block others from being relevant participants in the politics of the society through their wealth and power. Godfathers are political gatekeepers that determine the entrants. He or she is the impervious guardian figure that manipulates the political landscape by dictating and providing the lifeline and navigational direction to the godson or goddaughter who in turn, surrender to reciprocate with a service of total submission, subservience and provisions to the oracular personality with less priority concern to the citizens.In the course of reaching a conclusion, this paper sets out to historicize on the trajectories of the democratic and human conflicts that emanates from Godfatherism in Delta state of Nigeria with related references to other parts of the country; to examine the causative factors orchestrating the phenomenon of Godfatherism in the state; to specifically ascertain some selected incidences of Godfatherism in the electoral processes in Delta state within a specified period; to identify the implications of the prevalence of godfatherism in the developmental process of Delta state; and to offer recommendations on practical ways to arrest the malaise of Godfatherism.

Autorentext

Frederick Omoyoma Odorige is a Ph.d candidate of Military Science at the National University of Public Service, Budapest Hungary. He has a Masters degree in International Public Service Relations, a Certificate in Diplomacy from the above institution and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Benin, Nigeria. He has been very vocal against the misrule and undemocratic policies that has beclouded Nigeria since her independence of 1960. As a student activist at the University of Benin, Nigeria, he was very active during the anti-SAP demonstration that swept across Nigeria during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babanginda in May/June 1989. The author has used his artistry and vocal participation against the dictatorial regime of the late Nigerian Head of State, General Sani Abacha whose monumental corruption is still a subject of international diplomacy. Frederick is currently the Founder and Global Coordinator of the Global Coalition for Security and Democr