This paper examines the intricate relationship between godfatherism, political power, and the systemic marginalization of women in Nigerian politics. The analysis demonstrates how informal patronage networks, characterized by godfatherism, concentrate political power through financial control, candidate imposition, electoral violence, and exclusionary socialization processes. These mechanisms disproportionately disadvantage women, creating structural barriers to their political participation, representation, and substantive influence in governance. The paper synthesizes evidence on how godfathers manipulate party nominations, monopolize campaign financing, deploy violence to intimidate aspirants, and perpetuate male-dominated political networks that systematically exclude women from decision-making positions. Two comparative tables illustrate the barriers to women's participation and the specific mechanisms through which godfatherism produces gendered exclusion. The analysis concludes with targeted policy recommendations, including enforceable gender quotas, campaign finance reform, strengthened internal party democracy, legal protections against electoral violence, and capacity-building initiatives. These interventions are essential for dismantling the interlocking systems of patronage and patriarchy that undermine democratic governance and gender equality in Nigeria.