Abstract
This study evaluated the consequences of godfatherism on Nigeria's political system in the south-east geopolitical zone from 1999 to 2023. A survey research design was employed to investigate the impact of godfatherism on the political system in the region. A sample of 400 respondents was selected through a stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that godfatherism is a pervasive phenomenon in Nigerian politics, influencing the selection of candidates (70%, n=280), affecting the outcome of elections (60%, n=240), and undermining democratic governance (75%, n=300). The study also found that godfatherism has a negative impact on democratic governance and leadership, promoting corruption and cronyism (80%, n=320), undermining accountability and transparency (85%, n=340), and affecting the quality of leadership (75%, n=300). The study highlights the need for strategies to address the challenges posed by godfatherism, including strengthening institutions and laws (90%, n=360), promoting transparency and accountability (85%, n=340), encouraging citizen participation (80%, n=320), supporting independent candidacy (70%, n=280), and promoting a culture of meritocracy. The study provides recommendations for addressing the challenges posed by godfatherism and promoting good governance and democracy in Nigeria.