cronyism

noun2

1. •
   Favouritism to friends without regard for their qualifications; especially (politics), in their appointment to political positions.

   • Patronage, nepotism, cronyism, abuse of power, and criminal activity flourish, sometimes for decades, in numerous town halls, police stations, and special-purpose government agencies in the suburbs. — 2015
2. •
   (no longer used) The condition of being friends; friendship; also, the ability or inclination to make friends.

   • Pea-green Hayne was one of my most intimate friends; we occupied rooms vis à vis, and made prison life more than endurable by affectionate cronyism. — 1860