The 2027 general elections in Nigeria are witnessing a notable influx of political heirs, with children of former presidents, a former vice-president, and multiple former governors entering the race for National Assembly seats. Data compiled by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) identified at least 12 such individuals contesting or expressing interest in legislative positions across various states.
Political Dynasties and the 2027 NASS Race
The ICIR infographic, released in September 2026, highlights a broader trend in Nigerian politics where family name recognition and established networks are being leveraged to secure electoral footholds for the next generation. Among those listed are Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, contesting the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform, and Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, linked to the Daura/Sandamu/Mai'adua Federal Constituency race in Katsina State.
Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, currently represents the Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is among those seeking re-election in 2027. Adamu Atiku, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, is contesting for the Adamawa South Senatorial district seat.
Incumbents and New Challengers in Key Constituencies
Several children of former governors are also in the fray. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, represents the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency, while Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, represents the Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency. Both are involved in the 2027 race.
Olamiju Alao-Akala, son of the late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, is linked to the Orire/Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency race. In Abia State, Chinedum Orji, son of former Governor Theodore Orji, is contesting the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency seat. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of businessman and politician Gabriel Igbinedion, has emerged as a candidate for the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State.
Senate Seats and Re-election Bids
In Kogi State, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, daughter of the late former lawmaker Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, is contesting the Kogi Central senatorial seat on the PDP platform. Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, represents the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency and is seeking to retain the seat. Adegboyega Adefarati, son of the late former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati, represents the Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency and is seeking another term.
The development reflects a continuing pattern in which established political families maintain influence across generations, with these candidates leveraging their backgrounds to compete in the upcoming elections. According to Legit.ng, the ICIR compilation was based on INEC data, and the list covers a wide cross-section of Nigeria's political establishment, including children of former presidents, a former vice-president, former governors, and a former Senate President.
