Former Labour Party presidential aspirant and founder of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, has raised the alarm over what he described as the “silent hijack” of Nigeria’s democracy by political godfathers, warning that the country’s future is at stake unless urgent reforms are carried out.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja, Faduri accused powerful, unelected individuals of manipulating Nigeria’s political system from behind the scenes, undermining constitutional processes, and sabotaging the people’s will.
“These individuals are not elected by the people, but feared and obeyed more than the Constitution itself,” he said. “They are the architects of corruption and the invisible hands destabilising Nigeria’s future,” he added.
Citing high-profile examples across the country, Faduri painted a grim picture of how godfatherism has taken root in Nigeria’s political landscape.
“In Rivers State, the rift between former governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Sim Fubara, escalated into a constitutional crisis — a consequence, Faduri claims, of one man’s refusal to relinquish political control.
“ In Lagos, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was denied a second term allegedly for asserting independence, while current Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu continues to serve under the shadow of political influence; In Benue, he pointed to George Akume’s lingering influence over successive administrations as a disruption to governance, and in Kogi, he criticized ex-Governor Yahaya Bello, under investigation for corruption, for allegedly controlling state affairs through his successor, Governor Usman Ododo,” he said.
He also accused political godfathers of exploiting party defections to avoid prosecution. “It’s not about ideology — it’s about immunity,” he said. “They defect to the ruling party to gain protection, while justice becomes a commodity for sale.”
He argued that such practices have reduced democratic institutions to puppets, serving the interests of a few rather than the Nigerian people.
Calling for national awakening, Faduri outlined a five-point strategy to dismantle godfatherism and reclaim Nigerian democracy.
“ Reform Political Parties to promote internal democracy over financial dominance; Strengthen INEC and Security Agencies to ensure free and fair elections; Rebuild the Judiciary to uphold justice free from political interference; Raise Civic Awareness to empower citizens to vote based on character, not bribes; Promote National Unity, rejecting tribal and religious divisions often used as tools of manipulation,” he said.
“The same godfathers who ruined PDP are now controlling APC. Tomorrow, they may hijack Labour Party too — unless we stop them,” he warned.
Faduri appealed to Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora to join the Movement for National Renewal. “This fight is for every Nigerian — in Lagos or London, Kaduna or California. Let us rise, resist, and rescue Nigeria. It begins with you,” he added.
With his message, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph repositions himself as a leading voice for democratic reform and civic resistance, urging a generation of Nigerians to reject political subjugation and rise to the call for a New Nigeria.
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