Are 'godfathers' the real power behind Nigeria's presidential candidates?

As campaigning for the Nigerian presidential election on 16 February enters the final stretch, some are asking who is behind the candidates.

Many believe that so-called godfathers are the ones who decide the election winners and losers.

These are political sponsors, who use money and influence to win support for their preferred candidates.

Godfathers have multiple motivations for backing certain political candidates.

The state is the most important source of income, which godfathers want access to.

Their "godsons", it is believed, are not always selected for their political acumen, but rather on their ability to repay and enrich their godfather.

But it is also a question of ego, some of the godfathers just want to be recognised as the most important person in their community.