As the 2027 electoral cycle begins to cast its long shadow over the Nigerian landscape, a familiar pattern is emerging within the nation’s corridors of power.

From the ancient city of Kano to the bustling streets of Lagos and the quiet power hubs of Ogun, a new generation of “political royalty” is stepping out of the shadows of their influential parents to claim seats at the table.

This phenomenon, while not new to Nigerian politics, appears to be gaining unprecedented momentum as the offspring of former presidents, governors, and monarchs leverage their famous surnames to navigate the treacherous waters of the polls.

In the Nigerian political theater, name recognition is often more valuable than a manifesto. For the children of the elite, the family brand provides an immediate bridge to grassroots networks, funding, and the inner sanctums of party hierarchies that take outsiders decades to penetrate.

However, this trend has ignited a fierce debate across the federation: is this a natural progression of leadership and service within families, or a deepening of “dynastic democracy” that stifles fresh perspectives and meritocracy?

In states like Kano and Katsina, the entrance of these heirs is already causing ripples within the ruling and opposition parties alike.

Stakeholders are grappling with the delicate balance of honoring the legacies of “founding fathers” while ensuring internal democracy remains intact.

While some voters view these candidates as well-groomed successors who understand the machinery of governance, others see them as privileged interlopers relying on “the father’s face” to mask a lack of grassroots connection.

The 2027 race is shaping up to be a litmus test for these second-generation politicians. Many of them are returning to the fray after previous defeats, armed with lessons learned and deeper pockets. Others are fresh-faced entrants—lawyers, professors, and entrepreneurs—attempting to pivot from their professional successes into the gritty world of elective politics, promising to bridge the “governance gap” with modern sensibilities.

From the North-West to the South-West, the map is being redrawn by names like Abacha, Ganduje, Obasanjo, and Buhari. As they declare their intentions, the scrutiny is intensifying. Below is a look at the prominent “children of the rich and powerful” who have confirmed their interest in the upcoming battle for Nigeria’s political soul.

Muhammad Sani Abacha (PDP)

The son of the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, is no stranger to the Kano political arena. A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Muhammad is set to make another run for the Kano State Governorship in 2027. Despite having secured the PDP ticket in 2023 and previously running under the CPC, the top seat has remained elusive.

He remains a formidable force, banking on his family’s enduring influence and a loyal PDP base to finally clinch the state’s highest office.

Umar Abdullahi Ganduje (APC)

Known popularly as “Abba Ganduje,” Umar Abdullahi Ganduje is the son of the former APC National Chairman and former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Abba Ganduje is eyeing the House of Representatives seat for the Rimin Gado/Dawakin Tofa/Tofa constituency.

After a narrow loss in 2023 to Tijjani Abdulkadir Jobe, the stage is set for a high-stakes rematch. With Jobe now back in the APC, the primary battle between the incumbent and the “crown prince” of the Ganduje dynasty promises to be one of the most watched contests in the state.

Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk

Holding the prestigious title of Danburam of Daura, Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk is not just a politician; he is the personification of the Daura Emirate’s traditional heritage.

As the eldest son of the Emir of Daura, HRH Faruk Umar Faruk, his entry into the race for the Baure/Zango Federal Constituency has sent shockwaves through the local political structure.

Citing “sustained calls” from his people, the Danburam has positioned himself as a candidate of the people, though he remains coy about his chosen platform.

Whether he runs under the APC banner or shifts to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), his candidacy represents a bold move by the palace to secure a direct voice in the National Assembly.

He has cautioned his followers to maintain decorum, aware that as a prince, his every move reflects on the throne.

Yusuf Buhari, former president Buhari’s heir

Perhaps no name carries more weight in Katsina—or Nigeria—than that of Muhammadu Buhari. Recent endorsements of the late former President’s son for the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency seat have ignited a political firestorm. While his supporters see him as the natural successor to his father’s vast political legacy, APC stakeholders have been quick to push back.

Led by figures like Barrister Usman Ahmed El-Marzuk, party leaders have held emergency meetings to reject what they term the “imposition” of candidates.

The struggle here isn’t just about a seat in Abuja; it’s about who gets to guard the Buhari legacy.

While the young Buhari’s name offers instant brand recognition, he faces a stiff challenge from party loyalists who insist that even the son of a “lion” must win his stripes through a fair and transparent primary process.

Mubarak Ahmad-Gumi (APC)

In a blend of religious and political influence, the son of the prominent Islamic cleric, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, is vying for a seat in the Kaduna State House of Assembly (Doka/Gabasawa). Currently a legislative aide to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Mubarak is testing whether his father’s vast social influence can translate into electoral success.

Mahmood Mamman Lagos

Mahmood Mamman Lagos is the son of the current Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Sadiq Mamman Lagos. His father is an ally of the state Governor Uba Sani and also a former Local Government Chairman of Kaduna North around year 2000

In the political landscape of Kaduna North, the name Mamman Lagos carries the weight of decades of grassroots influence. Now, a new chapter in that legacy is being written as Mahmood Mamman Lagos formally steps into the spotlight.

Seeking to represent the Doka/Gabasawa Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly come 2027, Mahmood is not just running for a seat; he is carrying the banner of a family that has been a fixture of the metropolis’ power structure since the late 1990s.

Mahmood’s entry into the race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is widely seen as a strategic move to consolidate his family’s political capital.

While he is a fresh face in the elective arena, he is no stranger to the inner workings of Kaduna’s governance.

Observers note that his candidacy bridges the gap between the “old guard” of the 1990s and the modern, technocratic administration currently steering the state.

Iyabo Obasanjo (APC)

Iyabo is the daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. She is making a high-profile return to politics.

The 59-year-old female politician and former Senator representing Ogun Central is the first daughter of the former president.

She appears to be a late entrant into the race for governorship in Ogun State but has been ruffling feathers in recent weeks.

Iyabo recently returned to active politics after about 15 years and joined the ruling APC.

The female politician, who represented Ogun Central Senatorial District between 2007 and 2011, participated in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise at Ibogun, Ward 11, in Ifo Local Government Area of the state, effectively sealing her membership of the ruling party.

The renowned epidemiologist and former Ogun State Commissioner for Health lost her re-election bid in 2011 to Senator Gbenga Obadara of the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

She subsequently returned to the United States to pursue her academic career, rising to the rank of professor.

Iyabo declared her intention while featuring on a radio programme recently, saying she is out to fill what she described as a governance gap in the state.

The former president’s daughter has strong grassroots support, a family political name and what her supporters call records of achievements as commissioner and senator as her advantages in the contest.

She is also from Egbaland in Ogun Central, the senatorial district currently pushing strongly to occupy the Oke-Mosan seat after Governor Dapo Abiodun’s tenure.

Olumide Osoba (APC)

Olumide is the son of the veteran journalist and former Governor Segun Osoba.

He is seeking a fourth term in the House of Representatives. Representing Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode.

His ambition is met with both support for his experience and local controversy over demands for power-shifting among the local governments in his constituency.

His constituency compromises three LGs – Abeokuta North, Odeda and Obafemi – Owode, where he hails from.

Damilola Ayinde-Marshal (APC)

Trading the courtroom for the political stump, the daughter of Fuji legend, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall (KWAM 1), has declared for the Lagos State House of Assembly.

A lawyer of 12 years, she aims to represent Surulere Constituency 2, positioning herself as a “woman of excellence” and a voice for the youth.

The lawyer shared her plans in an Instagram post via her handle, expressing her commitment to serve the people of Surulere Constituency 2.

“I am excited to share that I, Barr. Damilola Ayinde Marshal, am stepping forward to serve the good people of Surulere Constituency 2 at the Lagos State House of Assembly,” she wrote.

Damilola, who has practised law for 12 years, said her professional experience has shaped her understanding of governance, justice, and the needs of her community.

“I am a woman of excellence and results. I am ready to serve and lead. With my background, I am fully prepared and ready to fight for what truly matters. I promise to be the voice of the youths in the House.

“As a young woman, I believe this is exactly what my people need right now, and that is why I decided to step forward,” she added.

Lamiju Alao-Akala

Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, member of the House of Representatives and son of the late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, is reportedly gunning for a second term in 2027.

He currently represents Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South/Oriire federal constituency.

Some of his supporters highlighted his work in road rehabilitation, health outreach, and youth-focused legislation.

He has experience as a former local government chairman and serves as the House Committee Chair on Youth.

Gboyega Adefarati

Gbenga is the son of former Ondo State Governor, Adebayo Adefarati.

He currently serves as a member of the House of Representatives, representing Akoko South East/Akoko South West Federal Constituency of Ondo State in the 10th National Assembly.

He is the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Labour, Productivity and Employment.

60-year-old federal lawmaker is currently aspiring for another term.

Nothing wrong with children of elites contesting – Prof Fage

Professor Kamilu Sani Fage of the Department of Political Science, Bayero University Kano, has said there is nothing wrong with children of politicians, wealthy individuals, traditional rulers, and clerics contesting for elective positions.

Speaking on the trend of increased participation of elites’ children in politics, Fage noted that the Nigerian constitution guarantees every citizen the right to vote and be voted for, regardless of social status, religion, or gender.

He explained that the only concern arises when the privileged background of such candidates is used to tilt the playing field in their favor.

“The problem is when their social status is used to give them an advantage over others. That is when you can talk about it, maybe when there is no level playing ground,” he said.

According to him, democracy thrives on fairness, and any attempt to use wealth, ruling family ties, or godfatherism to suppress others undermines the process.

“Anybody can contest. The only implication is when their position is used to their own advantage and to the disadvantage of others,” he added.

Fage stressed that, beyond such distortions, the participation of elites’ children in politics should be seen as part of democratic practice.

A Political Analyst in Benue State, Dr Abel Ugbir, said that the idea of children of the rich making effort to take over leadership from their fathers aimed at perpetuating the expansion of their family legacies.

“It’s a simple thing aimed at the expansion of family legacies and name. They (the wealthy political class) groom their children to continue with what they are doing. They don’t want to leave their children at a disadvantage in the long run because they want to maintain fame, influence, and affluence.

“The implication of this is that those people who should be in contention for political seats will retain their followers because of their wealth and influence.

“It portends continuity of what we see today. For instance, if their fathers were deep into corruption, the trend will continue, and this will become a normal thing,” Ugbir maintained. (Weekend Trust)

•Iyabo Obasanjo, Muhammad Sani Abacha, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf Buhari, Olumide Osoba, Damilola Ayinde-Marshal, Lamiju Alao-Akala and Gboyega Adefarati

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