Favoritism shown to friends and associates (as by appointing them to positions without regard for their qualifications) WordNet 3.0 & Open English WordNet

Cronyism is a specific form of in-group favoritism, the spoils system practice of partiality in awarding jobs and other advantages to friends or trusted colleagues, especially in politics and between politicians and supportive organizations. Wikipedia

Partiality in awarding advantages to friends or trusted colleagues Wikipedia Disambiguation

Favoritism to friends without regard for their qualifications, especially by appointing them to political positions. Wiktionary

Favoritism to friends without regard for their qualifications. Wiktionary (translation)