Godswill Akpabio: A Machiavellian Masterclass in Nigerian Politics

Written By Isaac Adebayo Esq.
isaacadebayo350@gmail.com

Godswill Akpabio, The current President of Nigeria's 10th Senate, a towering figure in Nigerian politics, has consistently courted controversy and fascination in equal measure. His supporters hail him as a visionary leader, a political juggernaut who bends circumstances to his will. Detractors, however, paint a different picture, portraying him as a ruthless pragmatist, adept at playing the game of power according to a distinctly Machiavellian playbook.

Niccolò Machiavelli, the infamous Florentine thinker, penned "The Prince", a treatise advocating ruthlessness and calculated manipulation as tools for gaining and maintaining power. Akpabio's political trajectory, with its sharp twists and turns, offers fertile ground for examining his alignment with these Machiavellian principles.

The End Justifies the Means

Akpabio's political ascent has been marked by a relentless pursuit of his goals, often employing means that raise eyebrows. His defections from party to party, each seemingly calculated to maximize his personal advantage, exemplify the Machiavellian dictum of prioritizing success over ideological purity. Critics point to his alleged use of patronage and clientelism, reminiscent of Machiavelli's advice on securing loyalty through rewards and punishments, to consolidate his power base.

Appearances and Deception:

Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of maintaining a public image while concealing one's true intentions. Akpabio, a master of crafting political narratives, embodies this principle. He cultivates a populist image, readily deploying religious rhetoric and promises of development, while simultaneously navigating the murky waters of power deals and backroom negotiations. This ability to project a different face to different audiences aligns with Machiavelli's counsel on adapting one's persona to suit the situation.

The Prince and His Lions:

Machiavelli advocates for surrounding oneself with competent and loyal advisors. Akpabio's political machine reflects this, with a network of fiercely devoted associates who execute his plans with unwavering dedication. The effectiveness of this "inner circle" in achieving Akpabio's objectives bears an uncanny resemblance to Machiavelli's ideal court, filled with skilled and dependable lions.

Beyond Black and White:

However, reducing Akpabio solely to a Machiavellian caricature would be simplistic. His accomplishments as governor of Akwa Ibom State, where he initiated infrastructural development projects and improved revenue generation, demonstrate his capacity for effective leadership. Additionally, his willingness to cross party lines and engage in dialogue with diverse political actors suggests a degree of pragmatism that transcends pure Machiavellianism.

A Nigerian Machiavelli

Whether Akpabio is a true disciple of Machiavelli or simply a shrewd politician operating within the realities of Nigerian power dynamics remains a matter of debate. His political career, however, undeniably offers a compelling case study in the application of Machiavellian principles in the complex and often unforgiving arena of Nigerian politics. By examining Akpabio's actions through the lens of *The Prince*, we gain a deeper understanding of the often ruthless calculus that underpins political success in Nigeria and beyond.

This article is intended to spark discussion and provoke critical thinking about the role of Machiavellian thought in contemporary politics. It is important to acknowledge that applying historical frameworks to modern contexts requires nuance and sensitivity to specific cultural and political realities. Ultimately, discerning the extent to which Akpabio embodies the Machiavellian archetype is a task left to the reader, informed by their own interpretation of his actions and their place within the broader tapestry of Nigerian politics.

Foolish write up. Makavellian in corruption and other voices. I don't know why owamberians like to embrace and eulogize evil.

In their communities , oba titles are given to rïtüålists, and highest skull miners. Aje is a cultural normal practice. Embracing all sort of fetish in every offices, businesses etc they are involved in. Creating fake histories

Poverty eating their communities, and baãlës ensuring human rituals are always made to protect the óbàs.

You are a mumu man
Some or will I say most nigerians celebrate mediocre
All for the benjamin
Masterclass indeed, emphasis,nigeria corrupt style of politics

As Governor, he was a DOER and TALKER. Lit the state up with developmental projects, dashed people and churches money, go see the way they love him in Ikot Ekpene. In person, he's nice and relatable.

I'm just saying, close your eyes and imagine yourself in his position, you be fighting GREED and SELFISH AMBITION, and those demons always win in political circles.

victorclean:
Foolish write up. Makavellian in corruption and other voices. I don't know why owamberians like to embrace and eulogize evil.

In their communities , oba titles are given to rïtüålists, and highest skull miners. Aje is a cultural normal practice. Embracing all sort of fetish in every offices, businesses etc they are involved in. Creating fake histories

Poverty eating their communities, and baãlës ensuring human rituals are always made to protect the óbàs.

Read the writeup with an open mind and make intelligent and constructive comments

Don't be clouded by sentiments