Patronage Politics: The Silent Killer Of Nigeria’s Governance And Development

By ISAAC ASABOR

In recent years, patronage appointments have steadily become a defining characteristic of Nigeria’s political landscape, casting a shadow over good governance and sustainable development. The prevalence of this practice, where political allies, loyalists, or ethnic affiliates are rewarded with government positions based on personal allegiance rather than merit, is not just an old, familiar tale but one that perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity, inefficiency, and national regression.

As Nigeria grapples with multiple crises, from a dwindling economy to alarming levels of unemployment and insecurity, the question must be asked: Can we afford to keep mortgaging our nation’s future on the altar of patronage appointments?

Patronage appointments are not unique to Nigeria; they exist in various forms around the world. However, the impact is particularly damaging in the Nigerian context, where political offices are seen as avenues for personal enrichment rather than service to the people. The allure of patronage lies in its power to secure political loyalty. For many politicians, it is a quick and effective way to consolidate power, maintain control, and reward those who support their electoral ambitions.

Patronage operates on the principle that “to the victor go the spoils.” This mindset is a relic of colonial rule and military regimes that fostered a culture where political office is synonymous with the distribution of wealth and influence. Once elected, Nigerian politicians often face intense pressure to compensate loyalists, party stalwarts, and influential backers who helped secure their victory, leading to the entrenchment of a patron-client relationship that takes precedence over national interests.

The impact of patronage on Nigeria’s governance structure is profound. When positions of authority are filled not based on competence but on the strength of political connections, the result is predictable: inefficiency, corruption, and stagnation. Public institutions are flooded with unqualified personnel who lack the skills and expertise necessary to implement policies or deliver essential services.

The most glaring manifestation of this is in Nigeria’s public sector. Ministries, departments, and agencies are littered with appointees whose primary qualifications are their loyalty to the appointing authority. This has led to the erosion of meritocracy, a principle that should form the bedrock of any effective civil service. The ripple effects are felt across all sectors, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security, where the lack of skilled professionals at the helm translates into poor service delivery and a decline in overall productivity.

Patronage appointments are not just a drain on Nigeria’s resources but also a breeding ground for corruption. Political appointees often see their positions as a reward for their loyalty and a chance to recoup their “investment” in the political process. This mindset drives a culture of rent-seeking, where officials use their offices to amass wealth through kickbacks, contracts awarded to cronies, and other forms of graft.

The unchecked spread of patronage has also contributed to the ballooning cost of governance in Nigeria. With every new administration comes an influx of political appointees, special advisers, and aides who serve more as political allies than effective policymakers. The result is an ever-growing payroll that drains public funds, leaving little for capital projects and social services that could improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

The implications of patronage appointments extend beyond governance; they also threaten Nigeria’s fragile unity. In a country already deeply divided along ethnic and regional lines, the practice of rewarding political allies from specific regions breeds resentment and a sense of exclusion among other groups. This deepens the already-existing fault lines in the nation, making it difficult to foster the sense of national unity needed for progress.

A case in point is the way federal appointments are often skewed in favour of individuals from the president’s ethnic group or geopolitical zone, contrary to the principles of federal character enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. This selective approach to appointments not only undermines the federal character principle but also sends a dangerous message to citizens that their chances of benefiting from the nation’s resources are tied to their ethnic or regional affiliations.

The detrimental impact of patronage appointments is perhaps most evident in Nigeria’s inability to sustain meaningful reforms. Every administration comes into power with promises of transformation, but the reform agenda is often stymied by a bureaucracy filled with appointees who are more concerned with pleasing their patrons than implementing policies. The result is a cycle of failed reforms, abandoned projects, and policy inconsistencies that prevent Nigeria from reaching its potential.

Consider the healthcare sector, where successive administrations have failed to improve the system despite lofty promises. The issue is not a lack of resources but rather the inability to deploy those resources effectively due to incompetence and corruption driven by patronage. A similar story plays out in education, where political interference and patronage have led to poorly managed institutions, leaving students and educators to suffer the consequences.

With each new administration, Nigerians hold onto hope for change. However, it seems that patronage politics remains a persistent fixture in the political landscape. The current administration of President Bola Tinubu, for example, has been criticized for filling key positions with loyalists and political allies rather than competent technocrats who can tackle the country’s numerous challenges.

While every administration is entitled to appoint trusted individuals to key roles, the emphasis should be on appointing those who bring skills, experience, and a commitment to national service. Unfortunately, in the current climate, it appears that competence takes a backseat to loyalty. The effect of this is already being felt as the nation struggles to navigate economic turmoil, widespread poverty, and a spiralling debt crisis.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. The nation cannot afford to continue down the path of patronage-driven governance if it hopes to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its citizens. To move forward, the government must prioritize merit-based appointments. This would not only enhance the efficiency of public institutions but also build trust among the citizenry, who are increasingly disillusioned by the lack of progress.

However, not a few Nigerians have at different public events mentioned that several measures can be taken to curb the negative effects of patronage; in fact, they have been heard saying that strengthening Institutional frameworks would go a long way in bringing solutions to the already existing plague in governance. Anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC should be empowered to investigate and prosecute cases of patronage-related corruption. This should include the appointment of officials based on transparency and accountability.

Close to the foregoing solution is that of promoting merit-based recruitment. They have insisted that the Nigerian government must revisit its recruitment policies to ensure that appointments are based on competence, qualifications, and proven track records. They are wont to add that Independent commissions can be set up to oversee appointments to public offices.

 In a similar vein is the need for public awareness and advocacy. This is because civil society organizations and the media must continue to play a watchdog role in holding the government accountable for its appointments. Public pressure can force the government to rethink its patronage practices.

Also is the need for legislative reforms. Nigeria’s lawmakers must enact laws that limit the number of political appointments that can be made by any administration. This will reduce the bloated payroll of political appointees and free up funds for developmental projects.

Without a doubt, the path forward is clear, but it requires political will and a collective effort from all Nigerians. Patronage appointments may provide short-term political gains, but they come at a long-term cost to the nation’s stability and progress. If Nigeria is to achieve its potential as Africa’s giant, it must break free from the shackles of patronage politics.

The time has come to place national interest above personal or party loyalty. Only by embracing meritocracy can Nigeria build a society where public offices serve the people, not the pockets of a privileged few. It is time to rethink patronage politics and choose a path that leads to genuine development and prosperity for all.