Yerima Shettima, senatorial aspirant for Kaduna Central in the 2027 general elections, has dismissed the culture of political godfatherism, describing those who depend on political patrons as lazy and selfish. At a press conference in Kaduna on Friday, he stated he would not seek backing from influential figures, saying his campaign would be built on personal achievements and public trust. Shettima emphasized that leadership should emerge from genuine grassroots support rather than behind-the-scenes arrangements. He argued that reliance on godfathers undermines accountability and weakens democratic participation. "Those who run behind godfathers are lazy and selfish," Shettima said, adding that such individuals show little interest in earning mandates through hard work. He maintained that his political journey would be transparent and rooted in service, not patronage. The Kaduna Central senatorial race is expected to draw multiple contenders from the ruling All Progressives Congress and opposition parties. Shettima, who has not held elective office before, positioned himself as a new breed of politician unshackled by traditional power brokers. His comments come amid ongoing debates about political succession and influence networks in northern Nigeria. Observers say his stance could challenge entrenched systems if it gains traction among voters. No major political officeholder in Kaduna State has publicly endorsed him so far. The Independent National Electoral Commission has yet to release the official timetable for the 2027 elections.
When Shettima calls godfather-dependent politicians lazy and selfish, he is directly challenging the machinery that has long powered political ascent in northern Nigeria. That statement isn't just criticism—it's a rejection of the unspoken deal where loyalty to a patron outweighs public service. If he sustains this position, it could unsettle established players who rely on control over candidate selection. But without a track record in office, his words will need more than rhetoric to gain ground.
