Democracy at Risk: The Enduring Consequences of Prebendalism in Nigeria

By Sam Agogo

The story of prebendalism in Nigeria begins with the country’s political journey from independence. When Nigeria gained freedom from colonial rule in 1960, hopes were high that the new nation, blessed with abundant natural and human resources, would chart a path of prosperity and unity.

Yet, the colonial legacy left behind a fractured society, with ethnic divisions and regional rivalries deeply entrenched. The British system of indirect rule had fostered competition among ethnic groups for access to state resources, and this competition quickly spilled into the politics of the First Republic. Public office was soon perceived not as a trust for the common good but as an entitlement, a means of distributing wealth and influence to one’s kin, ethnic group, or political supporters.

This practice was later captured by Richard Joseph in his groundbreaking work Democracy and Prebendal Politics in Nigeria, where he defined prebendalism as a system in which public office is treated as a prebend—a source of personal wealth and benefits for the officeholder and their networks. In this system, leaders view state resources not as a collective trust but as spoils to be distributed among family, ethnic groups, or loyal supporters. From that moment, prebendalism became the defining feature of Nigerian politics, shaping governance from independence to the present day.

Over the decades, prebendalism has manifested in countless ways. Appointments to public office are often based on kinship, ethnicity, or loyalty rather than merit. Governors and ministers award inflated contracts to cronies, diverting funds meant for development. Oil revenues, Nigeria’s main source of wealth, are disproportionately funneled to regions aligned with ruling elites. Elections are heavily monetized, with candidates distributing money and favors to secure loyalty, perpetuating prebendal networks. In the National Assembly, scandals such as budget padding and constituency project diversions illustrate how prebendalism thrives in legislative politics. Political godfatherism, where powerful figures control access to offices and contracts, remains a hallmark of prebendal politics.

The consequences of prebendalism are devastating. It entrenches corruption, making it systemic rather than exceptional. Institutions are weakened, as loyalty takes precedence over professionalism and accountability. Ethnic tensions are exacerbated, with groups competing for access to state resources. Economic development is stalled, as funds meant for infrastructure, education, and healthcare are siphoned off into private pockets. Democracy itself suffers, as elections become contests of wealth and patronage rather than genuine democratic choice. Citizens lose faith in governance, and politics becomes a zero-sum game where only those connected to power benefit.

The cultural dimension of prebendalism makes it even harder to uproot. In Nigerian society, there is a widespread expectation that those connected to power must benefit materially. A common saying reflects this mindset: “One, whose father is in heaven, cannot be destined for hell.” This belief normalizes prebendalism, making it appear less as corruption and more as entitlement.

The remedy to prebendalism must be both structural and cultural. Institutions must be strengthened to prioritize merit and accountability, with independent oversight bodies empowered to check abuse of office. The federal character principle should be reformed to balance inclusivity with efficiency, ensuring representation without legitimizing prebendal practices. Civic education is essential to shift cultural perceptions of public office from entitlement to service, teaching citizens that leadership is about stewardship, not spoils. Anti-corruption campaigns must move beyond rhetoric to enforce real consequences, with transparent judicial processes that punish offenders regardless of status. Political culture must evolve toward issue-based politics rather than patronage-driven campaigns, where candidates are judged by their policies and competence rather than their ability to distribute largesse.

Prebendalism remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation and economic development. It has entrenched corruption, weakened institutions, and deepened ethnic divisions. Yet, with deliberate reforms and cultural reorientation, Nigeria can begin to dismantle prebendal politics and build a more transparent, accountable, and inclusive democracy. The challenge is immense, but the future of Nigeria depends on breaking free from the grip of prebendalism and embracing governance that serves the people rather than the few.

For comments, reflections, and further conversation, email samuelagogo4one@yahoo.com or call +2348055847364.