10 Times Nigerian Godfathers and Political Sons Turned Against Eachother

In Nigerian politics, there is always a powerful “godfather” that helps a younger politician rise, campaigns for him, and delivers the structure that wins elections. But once that “political son” enters office, reality changes. 

Power brings new interests, new advisers, and new pressure to act independently. When the godfather still wants to control party structures, appointments, or the direction of government, the relationship can collapse fast.

Since Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, many big political partnerships have ended this way, loud, messy, and sometimes with serious consequences for governance.

Here are 10 major moments where godfathers turned against the leaders they helped into power.

Kwankwaso vs Ganduje (Kano)

Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje were once a solid team. Ganduje served as deputy when Kwankwaso first became governor in 1999 and again when Kwankwaso returned in 2011. Kwankwaso later backed Ganduje for governor in 2015. But after Ganduje took over, cracks appeared. The fight became a struggle for control and influence in Kano politics—and the alliance never recovered.

Kwankwaso vs Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano)

This is described as one of the most shocking Kano splits in recent times. Kwankwaso backed Abba Kabir Yusuf for governor, first in 2019 (unsuccessful) and again in 2023 (successful). Yusuf was widely seen as Kwankwaso’s political son. But tensions reportedly grew around party control and the direction of governance. Yusuf’s planned move away from the NNPP is seen as a major rupture and a direct hit to Kwankwaso’s grip on Kano.

El-Rufai vs Uba Sani (Kaduna)

Nasir El-Rufai strongly supported Uba Sani’s political rise, helping his path to the Senate and backing him for governor in 2023. But after Uba Sani became governor, disagreements followed. The relationship reportedly broke down so badly that El-Rufai left the APC and moved through other political platforms, showing how quickly alliances can collapse once power changes hands.

Wike vs Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers)

In Rivers, the Wike–Fubara crisis became a national talking point. It was widely believed that Nyesom Wike’s influence helped Fubara secure the ticket and win. But once Fubara took office, the relationship fell apart, triggering deep political turmoil in the state. The rift later became even more exposed when Fubara’s political direction shifted away from Wike’s camp.

Tinubu vs Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos)

Bola Tinubu backed Akinwunmi Ambode for Lagos governor in 2015, and Ambode won. But after taking office, differences reportedly grew. Tinubu withdrew support, and Ambode lost the chance to return for a second term after he failed to secure the party ticket for the 2019 election. It was a clear example of how quickly political backing can be switched off.

Amaechi vs Wike (Rivers)

Rotimi Amaechi and Nyesom Wike worked together during Amaechi’s time as governor. Wike served as chief of staff and later moved into federal appointments. But their relationship later crashed. The fallout became so serious that it changed political alignments, with Amaechi leaving his former party and the rivalry turning into a lasting Rivers power battle.

Amaechi vs Peter Odili (Rivers)

Amaechi also fell out with another major Rivers power figure, Peter Odili, after Amaechi became governor in 2007. As Amaechi grew into the office, he reportedly pulled away from Odili’s influence. That split reshaped Rivers politics and helped set up later battles involving multiple factions and power brokers in the state.

Obaseki vs Oshiomhole (Edo)

Adams Oshiomhole played a major role in installing Godwin Obaseki as governor in 2016. But their relationship collapsed over control of party structures and how government should be run. The fight became so intense that Obaseki left the APC for the PDP to contest again in 2020, and he won, defeating the candidate backed by Oshiomhole’s camp. It remains one of the clearest “godfather vs political son” wars in recent history.

Obasanjo vs Atiku (Federal level)

At the national level, the Obasanjo–Atiku split is one of the earliest major cracks of the Fourth Republic. They came into power together in 1999 and worked through two terms. But towards the end, disagreements grew—especially around the push to change the constitution for a third term. Atiku opposed it strongly, and the relationship broke down, turning allies into rivals.

Shekarau vs Buhari

Ibrahim Shekarau was once a key ally and major support pillar for Muhammadu Buhari in Kano. But their relationship later weakened after disagreements linked to party structure, appointments, and political alignment within the APC. Shekarau eventually distanced himself, and their separation affected political calculations in Kano and beyond.