POLITICAL MENTORSHIP AND GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

A REFLECTION ON THE ANAMBRA STATE POLITICS; 2003-2019

Abstract

Political mentorship has become the most prominent feature in Nigeria's politics today. Their influence on the political system has had a negative impact on the politics of Nigeria, and is a potential threat to Nigeria's emerging democracy, development, and security. Political mentorship has been extensively discussed in literature, where it has been linked to loss of life and property, corruption, abuse of public funds, election fraud, stagnant development, and political insecurity. However, in this study, we focused
on the problem of Political Mentorship in Nigeria by using Anambra State as our case study. We used qualitative research techniques, including Explanatory Research methodology, for qualitative data analysis. Our findings showed that the effects of Political Mentorship on security and development include loss of lives and property, proliferation of illegal weapons, threat to state institutions, and stagnant development in the state. Based on the results of the study, here are the recommendations: less emphasis should be put on money when it comes to candidates for political office. The immunity clause in the Constitution should be annulled. Choice of candidates for election 'unopposed' should be prohibited while INEC should introduce random electoral plebiscite. Provision should be made in the electoral law for independent candidate in order to reduce the influence of political mentors.