Nigeria’s democratic journey since 1999 has produced significant reforms, major technological changes and substantial infrastructure development. Yet, more than two decades after the return to democratic rule, an important question remains: have successive governments built effectively on the foundations laid by the early years of the Fourth Republic, or have political interests increasingly taken priority over competence and public welfare?

This is the argument being advanced by critics who believe Nigeria’s biggest political problem is no longer simply a lack of resources, but the way those resources and political opportunities are distributed.

The Obasanjo Years and the Beginning of a New Democratic Era

When Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999 under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the country entered a new phase after years of military rule.

One of the most significant developments of that period was the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, which opened the door for private mobile network operators and dramatically changed how Nigerians communicated.

The expansion of mobile telecommunications eventually transformed the country's economy, created new businesses and employment opportunities, and made communication accessible to millions of Nigerians.

The period also witnessed reforms in wages and public sector administration, including the monetisation policy, which sought to place a monetary value on certain benefits previously provided to public servants.

The argument is not that everything under Obasanjo was perfect.

It was not.

Every administration has its successes, failures and controversies.

But there is little doubt that the early years of democratic rule produced reforms that fundamentally changed Nigeria's economic and institutional landscape.

Nigeria Has Certainly Changed Since the 1990s

Compare Nigeria today with the Nigeria of the 1990s and the difference is difficult to ignore.

Mobile phones have become almost universal.

Internet access has transformed commerce, education, banking, entertainment and communication.

Digital businesses have emerged.

Roads, housing projects and other infrastructure have expanded across different parts of the country.

Private businesses now operate in areas that were once dominated by government institutions.

Nigeria's economy and population have also grown significantly.

But development statistics alone do not tell the complete story.

For millions of Nigerians, economic growth has not necessarily translated into a better quality of life.

The cost of food, transportation, housing, electricity and education continues to place enormous pressure on households.

Young Nigerians are graduating into an economy where finding decent employment can be extremely difficult.

Small businesses struggle with electricity costs, taxation, inflation and limited access to affordable financing.

So the question becomes:

Why does a country with enormous human and natural resources continue to struggle to convert those resources into a comfortable life for ordinary citizens?

The Problem of Political Godfatherism

One explanation increasingly raised by critics is Nigeria's political culture of godfatherism.

Political godfatherism occurs when influential individuals use their wealth, networks and political power to determine who gets elected, appointed or promoted within the political system.

The danger begins when loyalty becomes more important than competence.

If political office becomes a reward for personal allegiance, then the person most capable of doing the job may not necessarily be the person who gets the opportunity.

Instead, the question becomes:

“Whose person are you?”

That mentality can be devastating for governance.

A minister, commissioner, lawmaker, adviser or head of an agency should ideally be selected because that individual possesses the experience, competence, integrity and understanding required for the position.

Political loyalty should never become a substitute for professional ability.

Why Tinubu Is Being Drawn Into This Debate

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been one of Nigeria's most influential political figures for decades, particularly because of his political influence in Lagos and his role in shaping political alliances.

His supporters point to his political experience, economic reforms and ability to build political structures.

His critics, however, argue that the same political network has also contributed to a culture in which loyalty and political connections can determine access to public office.

That criticism deserves to be examined through evidence rather than simply through partisan emotions.

The central question should not be whether someone is “Tinubu's person,” “Atiku's person,” “Obi's person” or connected to another political bloc.

The real question should be:

Can this person deliver the responsibility attached to the office?

If the answer is no, then political loyalty should not be enough.

“Na My Person You Be” Cannot Be a National Development Strategy

There is a popular Nigerian expression that captures this problem perfectly:

“Na my person you be, come chop national cake.”

It may sound humorous, but the mentality behind it is anything but funny.

When public office becomes a reward system for political allies, the consequences are eventually paid for by ordinary citizens.

Poor appointments can produce weak institutions.

Weak institutions can produce poor policies.

Poor policies can increase the cost of living.

And when public money is spent without sufficient accountability, citizens are left to carry the burden through higher taxes, inflation, deteriorating services and fewer opportunities.

This is why the issue of political appointments should not be treated as a minor political matter.

It directly affects the quality of government Nigerians receive.

Nigeria Does Not Lack Intelligent People

Perhaps one of the most frustrating aspects of Nigeria's situation is that the country is not short of capable people.

Nigeria has outstanding engineers, doctors, economists, scientists, entrepreneurs, administrators, academics, technologists and professionals working both within the country and abroad.

The question is whether the political system consistently creates opportunities for the most capable people to contribute.

A country cannot build world class institutions if competence is repeatedly placed behind connections.

A nation cannot become competitive globally if public positions are treated primarily as political compensation.

And democracy cannot reach its full potential if citizens are encouraged to vote for personalities and godfathers instead of policies, competence and measurable results.

The Bigger Lesson for Every Political Party

This criticism should not be directed at only one political party.

Godfatherism has existed across Nigeria's political landscape and has affected different parties and administrations.

The problem is therefore bigger than Tinubu, Obasanjo, the APC or the PDP.

It is a systemic problem.

Nigeria needs a political culture where political leaders can support individuals without owning them, where appointments can be challenged on competence, where public officials can be held accountable and where citizens judge governments by measurable outcomes.

Political loyalty should never be more valuable than national competence.

The Nigeria We Should Be Building

The ultimate objective of democracy should not simply be changing the people occupying government offices.

It should be improving the lives of the people.

Citizens want electricity they can afford.

They want roads that work.

They want schools that prepare children for the future.

They want hospitals that can save lives.

They want businesses that can survive without depending on political connections.

They want jobs.

They want security.

And above all, they want government officials to understand that public money belongs to the public.

Nigeria has made progress since 1999. That progress should not be denied.

But progress should also not become an excuse for accepting poor governance.

The country must now move beyond the politics of “who knows who” and toward the politics of “who can deliver.”

Because ultimately, Nigeria does not need more powerful godfathers.

Nigeria needs stronger institutions, competent leaders, transparent appointments and citizens who are prepared to demand accountability from whoever occupies power.

That is how democracy becomes more than elections.

That is how government becomes genuine public service.

Southern Report believes the debate should continue, but with evidence, accountability and the interests of ordinary Nigerians at the centre.