The Influence of the Portrayal of Godfatherism in Nollywood Films on Nigerian Voter Behavior

Abstract

Politics in Nigeria is considered as a huge investment; and so the political lords and godfathers, financially sponsor their political ‘godsons’ to political positions so as to be directly or indirectly in control of power. Since this trend started, people in political positions are no longer accountable to the citizenry, rather to their sponsors. Corruption becomes a direct consequence of godfatherism. Public enlightenment therefore, is required to create the awareness needed to understand how godfatherism influences political elections. This study is hinged on the Social Cognitive Theory and adopted survey methodology with questionnaire as instrument to examine the role Nigerian Film industry as an agent of public enlightenment plays in sensitizing the public on the dangers of politics of godfatherism.  Do Nigerian Films portray politics of godfatherism? Is the portrayal consistent with the reality on ground? What is the direction of the portrayal? Is the audience able to identify the subject matter as to help them in making wise decision during political elections? These are the questions this study seeks to provide answers to.

Key words: Film, Politics, Godfatherism, Nollywood, Portrayal, Voter