We Need More Godfathers That Can Act Like Mentors Rather Than People Who Want to Control and Take the National Cake as It Is Worth – Hamzat Lawal

Posted by Grace Abuh
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Electoral Reform Hour on Radio Nigeria hosted, Hamzat Lawal, the Founder and Chief Executive of Connected Development (CODE), a non-governmental organization empowering marginalized communities across Africa, he highlighted the need for electoral accountability and reform in Nigeria. As a social accountability advocate and the driving force behind the ‘Follow The Money’ initiative, Hamzat Lawal emphasized the necessity of changing the role of political godfathers from power-hungry controllers to genuine mentors who can guide the next generation of leaders without exploiting the system for personal gain.

Hamzat Lawal addressed the negative connotations of political godfatherism in Nigeria, noting that while it is often viewed as a source of undue influence, it could serve a beneficial purpose if reframed positively. “We need more godfathers who act like mentors, rather than people who want to control and consume the national cake as it is worth,” he said. Drawing comparisons to global politics, particularly U.S. examples like Barack Obama mentoring Joe Biden, Hamzat Lawal argued that political mentorship could provide necessary guidance while still allowing leaders to think independently and serve with integrity.

In the discussion on electoral accountability, Hamzat Lawal pointed out a key challenge in Nigeria’s elections: the interference of the political elite. He described this as the “biggest elephant in the room,” explaining how political actors repeatedly manipulate electoral processes to serve their personal interests, undermining the credibility of elections and eroding public trust in institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). According to him, the lack of accountability and consequences for these actions continues to encourage impunity.

Hamzat Lawal also spoke on the rising violence during elections, describing how it has become normalized in society. He shared personal observations from his work during elections, stating that electoral thuggery, violence, and political manipulation are commonplace and often go unpunished. “Society has now accepted what we’re not supposed to accept,” Hamzat Lawal said. He stressed that without consequences for electoral offenses, including violence, the political class would continue to exploit the system for personal gain.

On the topic of political financing, Hamzat Lawal criticized the overwhelming role of money in Nigerian politics, which he said disproportionately limits the participation of young people and those without financial resources. With the exorbitant costs associated with running for office, such as the N10 million fees for nomination forms, politics has become an exclusive domain for the wealthy. He argued, “Until we remove the influence of money from politics and listen to ideas, genuine leaders with the right vision will continue to be sidelined.”

He  stressed that electoral accountability does not end at the ballot box. He called for a politically conscious society, urging citizens to remain engaged with governance beyond election day. “We need a mass education and mobilization of citizens who are politically aware and can align themselves with various ideologies to bring about real change,” he stated. By fostering civic awareness and encouraging sustained political engagement, Hamzat Lawal believes Nigeria can move towards a more accountable and transparent electoral system.

In conclusion, Hamzat Lawal’s vision for Nigeria involves a comprehensive reform of the political process, including the reduction of money’s influence in politics, stronger accountability for electoral offenses, and the cultivation of political godfathers who mentor rather than manipulate. His insights provide a roadmap for ensuring that electoral reforms lead to meaningful change, creating a system where leaders serve the public interest rather than personal agendas.

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE