Children of ex-presidents, governors in 2027 National Assembly race - Punch Newspapers

Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello. | Credit: Ogun Update

As the 2027 general elections approach, children of prominent Nigerian politicians are featuring in races for seats in the National Assembly. According to an infographic published by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting in September 2026, some children of prominent politicians were identified among those contesting or seeking National Assembly seats across different states. The ICIR compilation, based on data from the Independent National Electoral Commission, includes children of former presidents, a former vice-president, former governors and a former Senate President, among other prominent political figures. Here are 12 of those identified: 1. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Kogi The Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, a former member of the House of Representatives, is the incumbent Senator representing Kogi Central. She is contesting the Kogi Central senatorial seat in the 2027 election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. 2. Iyabo Obasanjo – Ogun File: Iyabo Obasanjo Iyabo Obasanjo is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She is contesting the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2027 election. 3. Yusuf M. Buhari – Katsina Yusuf Buhari Yusuf Buhari, son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, is linked to the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency race in Katsina State. 4. Bello M. El-Rufai – Kaduna Bello M. El-Rufai Bello El-Rufai is the son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. He represents the Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is among the children of prominent politicians featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests. 5. Chinedum E. Orji – Abia Chinedum Orji. Photo credit: Ogbonnaya Ikokwu Chinedum Orji, son of former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, is contesting the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives. 6. Adamu A. Atiku – Adamawa Adamu Atiku. Photo: Instagram / @aaa_adamu Adamu Atiku is the son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar. Why Atiku named El-Rufai in ADC campaign council — Dele Momodu Tinubu to transmit bills for women, PWD seats – Abbas 2027: Moghalu rejects Atiku campaign appointment He is among those linked to the 2027 National Assembly race in Adamawa State. 7. Blessing O. Onuh – Benue File: The Chairman of the House Committee on Land Transport, Blessing Onuh. Blessing Onuh, daughter of former Senate President David Mark, represents the Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. She is seeking to retain the seat in the 2027 election. 8. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Delta Chairman, House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu is the daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori. She represents the Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is involved in the 2027 race. 9. Gabriella (Omosede) Igbinedion – Edo Gabriella Omosede Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of prominent businessman and politician Gabriel Igbinedion, is associated with the Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency in Edo State. She has emerged as a candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives race. 10. Olumide Osoba – Ogun Olumide Osoba Olumide Osoba, son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, represents the Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He is among the children of prominent political figures seeking National Assembly seats in 2027. 11. Adegboyega Adefarati – Ondo Adegboyega Adefarati. Photo credit: Ondo state radio Adegboyega Adefarati, son of the late former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati, represents the Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He is seeking another term in the 2027 election. 12. Olamiju Alao-Akala – Oyo Olamiju Alao-Akala 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 Oyo State. His participation places another child of a former governor among those featuring in the 2027 National Assembly contests. Samuel Omotere Samuel Omotere is an experienced journalist covering human interest stories, pop culture, and digital trends. He combines his background as a language graduate with a focus on sustainable digital storytelling.

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