Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are already drawing prominent political families into the contest for seats in the National Assembly, with children of former presidents, governors, a former vice-president and other influential political figures featuring in the emerging races.
The development comes as political parties and aspirants intensify preparations for the elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, when Nigerians will vote for the president and members of the National Assembly.
A compilation based on information from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as reported by Nigerian media, identified 12 children of prominent political figures who are either already serving in the National Assembly and seeking another term or are linked to legislative contests in 2027.
The list cuts across several states and includes familiar names from Nigeria’s political establishment.
1. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Kogi
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, daughter of the late former House of Representatives member Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, is seeking another term representing Kogi Central in the Senate.
She is contesting under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
2. Iyabo Obasanjo – Ogun
Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, is making a return to elective politics.
She is contesting the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the PDP platform in the 2027 election.
Her candidacy places the family of a former Nigerian president once again in the National Assembly race.
3. Yusuf Buhari – Katsina
Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been linked to the race for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency in Katsina State.
His reported participation brings another former presidential family into the 2027 legislative contest.
4. Bello El-Rufai – Kaduna
Bello El-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, is already a member of the House of Representatives.
He represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency and is among the political heirs featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests.
5. Chinedum Orji – Abia
Chinedum Orji, son of former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, is seeking the House of Representatives seat for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.
His participation continues the involvement of the Orji family in Abia politics.
6. Adamu Atiku – Adamawa
Adamu Atiku, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, is also linked to the 2027 National Assembly race in Adamawa State.
Reports have associated him with the Adamawa South senatorial contest.
7. Blessing Onuh – Benue
Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, currently represents the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
She is seeking another term in the 2027 election.
8. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Delta
Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, is another incumbent lawmaker featuring in the race.
She represents the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is seeking to remain in the National Assembly.
9. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion – Edo
Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of businessman and politician Gabriel Igbinedion, is linked to the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State.
She has emerged as a candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.
10. Olumide Osoba – Ogun
Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, is another serving federal lawmaker seeking a place in the next National Assembly.
He represents the Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
11. Adegboyega Adefarati – Ondo
Adegboyega Adefarati, son of the late former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati, currently represents the Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency.
He is seeking another term in the House of Representatives in 2027.
12. Olamiju Alao-Akala – Oyo
Olamiju Alao-Akala, son of the late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, is linked to the race for the Orire/Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency.
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His reported participation adds another former governor’s child to the growing list of political families featuring prominently in the 2027 legislative contests.
A familiar pattern in Nigerian politics
The emergence of the 12 politicians highlights the continuing presence of established political families in Nigeria’s electoral system.
While some of those identified are already serving lawmakers seeking re-election, others are attempting to enter the National Assembly for the first time.
Their candidacies are likely to keep attention focused on the role of political families, name recognition and established networks in Nigeria’s electoral contests as parties move closer to the 2027 polls.
For now, the candidates remain part of an increasingly crowded field as political parties position themselves ahead of the National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.