Exclusive — Legal analyst and political commentator, Barrister Darlington, has said that the recent controversy surrounding Nnaji reflects a broader problem in Nigeria’s political system — the absence of powerful godfathers to shield individuals when things go wrong.
Speaking during a live discussion on VOP TV, Darlington explained that the politics of patronage and protection still dominates Nigeria’s power structure, where loyalty to a political godfather often determines how far an individual can go, or how much accountability they face.
“Most of these people don’t have a godfather — that’s why things turned out the way they did with Nnaji. If they had one, they might have known how to cover him,” he said.
He noted that individuals without strong political backing are often exposed to public scrutiny and punishment, while those with influential sponsors are shielded from consequences, regardless of their actions.
“In Nigeria, the system protects people who belong to powerful networks. Without that connection, you’re left vulnerable — no matter how competent you are,” Darlington added.
He described the trend as one of the root causes of corruption and impunity, arguing that governance in Nigeria has been reduced to a game of loyalty rather than merit.
Darlington called for a political culture built on transparency, fairness, and institutional accountability, rather than dependence on individuals or political alliances.
“Until we dismantle the godfather system, there will be no true justice — only selective protection and selective punishment,” he concluded.
Observers say his remarks come amid public debates about political favoritism and selective justice, issues that continue to shape Nigeria’s governance and public service landscape.
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