‎BY AHMED AKANBI

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‎A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Godwin Sunday Ogboji, has said the only way to end godfatherism in Nigerian politics is to conduct free and fair elections.

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‎Ogboji said godfathers thrive because they manipulate elections to impose candidates instead of allowing voters to decide.

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‎He told journalists that the rise in pre-election court cases is fueled by politicians who see politics as business, not service.

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‎The senior lawyer pointed to the recent Osun governorship poll as evidence that voters can defend their mandate despite money and power.

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‎Ogboji urged leaders to put national interest above ambition, saying respecting the people’s will would cut political disputes.

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‎He also called for judiciary reform, including electronic recording of proceedings, to speed up trials, saying longhand recording and heavy caseloads cause delays in high-profile cases.

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‎On insecurity, Ogboji backed state police to help communities fight terrorism and banditry.

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‎Though he admitted governors could abuse it against opponents, he said the security benefits outweigh the risks if safeguards are put in place.