Political Dynasties Emerge in Nigeria's 2027 Elections

As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, children of influential political figures are preparing to contest for seats in the National Assembly (NASS). An infographic published by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) in September 2026, based on data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), identifies several candidates.

Notable figures include Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, contesting the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is vying for the Kaduna North Federal Constituency.

Other candidates include Adamu Atiku, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, contesting for the Adamawa South Senatorial district, and Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, representing the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency. Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is linked to the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency race in Katsina State.