Across the political landscape of Nigeria, starting from the first Republic,there are families with multiple numbers involved in Politics. As one generation fades,another one is already in the making , keeping the flame of that family shinning. From North to South, East and West,they seem to control the narratives and shape the outcome of elections.Political dynasties in Nigeria are characterized by powerful families and elite political networks that perpetuate their influence across generations, controlling state resources and passing elective or appointive offices to their children or siblings. These dynasties exist at both the national and sub-national levels even as the country looks forward to the 2027 general elections. This week,City People takes a look at some of Nigeria’s notable political dynasties.They include:
ADELEKE FAMILY:
Members of this family are deeply rooted in politics. Unknown to many, the Patriarch, Raji Ayoola Adeleke was a labour activist from Ede, Osun serving as the Vice President of the United Labour Congress of Nigeria and Senator for Osun II district between 1979 and 1983 while his son, Isiaka Adeleke, was Osun’s first civilian governor from January 1992 to November 1993 under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). A two-time Senator, he would go on to serve on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State from 2007 to 2011 and then under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015.
When Senator Adeleke passed away unexpectedly in 2017, his younger brother Ademola Adeleke who would come to be known for his dancing skills sought to replace him. However, the APC opted against giving him its ticket to contest in the by-election leaving him no option but to decamp to the PDP on whose platform he rose to victory. In July 2018, he emerged as the governorship candidate of the PDP in Osun State after defeating Akin Ogunbiyi by seven votes but lost to the then governor, Alhaji Gbenga Oyetola. He was a Senator representing Osun-west senatorial district until he defeated Oyetola 4 years after.Adeleke is presently aiming for a second term on the flag of Accord party in next year’s general elections.
IGBINEDION FAMILY
The Igbinedion family is a political and economic family of heavyweights from the ancient Benin city. Patriarch of the family, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion holds the chieftaincy title of the Esama of Benin Kingdom while his sons have had a share of political powers.They include: Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion ,who was the governor of Edo State in Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
Charles Igbenedion, his brother was a two time Local Government chairman and one time Edo State Commissioner of Education, while Peter Igbinedion was the managing director of the Nigerian Aviation Authority at a time.
His sister, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion-Akenzua, a lawyer was elected as the youngest female member into the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives (Nigeria) in 2015, representing the Ovia Federal constituency which consists of Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West Local Government Areas of Edo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Deputy Chairman House Services in the House of Representatives.
TINUBU FAMILY:
The political strength of the family was long established before President Tinubu, the Asiwaju of Lagos joined politics. His adopted great grandmother, Efunroye Tinubu, and mother Chief Abibatu Mogaji were both influential in the pre and post-colonial eras of Nigeria. The latter was the Iyaloja of Lagos State. Bola Tinubu would venture into politics in 1992, under the Social Democratic Party of Nigeria (SDP). In 1993, Tinubu was elected to the Nigerian Senate, to represent the Lagos West constituency. As a senator, Bola Tinubu was the chairman of the Appropriation, Finance, and Banking committee. He was then elected as the Governor of Lagos State for two consecutive terms from 1999 – 2007. His wife, Oluremi Tinubu was a long standing Senator for Lagos Central Constituency while his daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo is the current Iyaloja of Nigeria.
Tinubu’s son Seyi is one of the most popular sights within Nigeria politics today. Seyi handles his father’s political narratives outside government, edging him more closer to the grassroots. Many Politicians who wants the ear of the President often go through Seyi.
YAR’ADUA FAMILY:
The Yar ‘Adua family is noted as one of the most successful families in Nigeria’s political history and has been on the scene since the First Republic.
In the First Republic, Musa Yar’Adua served as a Minister of Lagos Affairs and Mutawalli of the Katsina Emirate. His sons ,Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Umaru Musa Yar’Adua were also power brokers before their demise. The former was a senior army officer and Chief of Staff of Obasanjo’s military government between 1976-1979. In 1995, he was convicted for his alleged involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the regime of General Sani Abacha, sentenced to death and later commuted to 25 years imprisonment. Two years later, he passed on while imprisoned. Yar’ Adua was also very influential in the formation of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the early 90s as General Babangida made assurances of leading the transition from military rule to civilian rule. His son, Murtala Yar’Adua, is a former Minister of State for Defence.
At the dawn of the Fourth Republic, Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua (son of Musa and brother of Shehu) contested for and won the governorship of his home state, Katsina on the ticket of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for two terms (1999-2007) before becoming Nigerian’s President in 2007. Interestingly, Yar’ Adua was anointed for the Presidency by his predecessor, President Obasanjo who had shared a close friendship from their days in the army with the elder Yar’ Adua, Sheu, Umaru, who was dogged by health issues would later pass away while receiving treatment for pericarditis towards the end of his first term in office.
Another Yar’Adua brother, Abdulaziz is gradually etching his name in Katsina politics today.
SARAKI FAMILY
For over 4 decades, the Saraki political dynasty held sway over the people of Kwara. The patriarch of the dynasty, Dr Abubakar Olusola Saraki,(Baba Oloye) was Senate Leader in 1979. His status as a ranking Senator within the ruling party enabled him to build power and influence in his home state of Kwara and played a crucial role in the installation of civilian governors of Kwara State like Adamu Attah, Cornelius Adebayo, Sha’aba Lafiaji and Mohammed Lawal who ruled from 1999-2003. In May 2003, Bukola Saraki was nominated by his father and emerged governor till 2011. After his tenure, he refused to support his sister, Gbemisola, a former Senator first elected into the House of Representatives in 1999 and Kwara State Central Senatorial Seat in 2003 and 2007 respectively. Instead, he supported his ally , Ahmed Abdulfatai, who floored his sister against the will of his father. His refusal pushed Olusola Saraki to leave for the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria (ACPN) where Gbemisola was handed the governorship ticket and contested against the Bukola-backed Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Candidate, Abdul Fatai Ahmed. He later took over her Kwara Central Senatorial seat and emerged President of the Senate of Nigeria in 2015. Gbemi became a rallying point for opposition politicians who wanted to free the state from Bukola’s hegemony and was appointed the Minister of State for Transportation in President Buhari’s second term.
Another Saraki, Adeolu was appointed Special Assistant to President Umaru Musa Yar’ Adua during his term.
ABDUL-RAZAQ FAMILY
The family’s entry into politics began with Alhaji AbdulGaniyu Folorunsho Abdul-Razaq who is revered as the first lawyer from the North bearing traditional titles, Region Mutawali of Ilorin and Tafida of Zazzau (Zaria). He was also the former President of the Nigerian Stock Exchange(NSE) and former commissioner in Kwara.He served as a Special Member of the Northern House of Assembly from 1960 – 1962 following Independence. He also served as the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Ivory Coast from 1962 to 1964. He also served as the Federal Cabinet Minister of State for Transport before becoming the Kwara State Commissioner of Finance, Health and Social welfare from 1967 – 1972
One of his sons, Abdul-Razaq contested in 1999, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2015 respectively under the Congress for Progressive Change political party(CPC)and People’s Democratic Party(PDP) before emerging the governor of Kwara state in 2018 under the ruling political party in Nigeria APC displacing the Saraki dynasty.
His brother, Dr Alimi Abdul-Razaq was a member of the Presidential Policy Advisory Committee (PPAC) on Defence and Security, member of the National Steering Committee and was the Kwara State Coordinator of the Obasanjo Campaign Organisation (OCO) during OBJ’s tenure. He was also the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in the 1999 elections.
One of his sisters, Senator Khairat Abdul-Razaq-Gwadabe, a lawyer, was a Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory at the start of the Nigerian Fourth Republic, running on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform. She held office till 2003. Her husband, Colonel Lawan Gwadabe, was former military governor of Niger State under the Babangida regime.
The fifth child of the family, Aisha Muhammed Lawal, is a former first lady and wife of late military Governor of Ogun and Kwara States, Rear Admiral(retd)Mohammed Alabi Lawal between 1987-1999 and 1999-2003 respectively.
THE EL-RUFAI FAMILY
Former Kaduna State Governor ,Nasir El-Rufai has a son, Bello El-Rufai, who currently serves in the House of Representatives.
THE ALAO-AKALA FAMILY
Late former Oyo State Governor, Adebayo Alao-Akala has a son, Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who serves in the House of Representatives.
THE OSHIOMHOLE FAMILY
Former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has a son, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who serves as the Commissioner for Health in Edo State.
THE ADEDIBU FAMILY
The late Chief Lamidi Adedibu (known as the “Strong Man of Ibadan Politics” and godfather/kingmaker of the Peoples Democratic Party – PDP). His son, Kamorudeen Adedibu, served as a Senator representing Oyo South (2007–2011) Known for grassroots mobilization and an aggressive political style, this family historically wielded the power to select and impeach governors in the state.
THE AKINJIDE FAMILY
The late Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN) was a political strategist and served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice (Second Republic). His daughter, Olajumoke Akinjide, served as the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).This is an elite legacy family deeply rooted in Nigerian constitutional law and federal politics.
THE ADELABU FAMILY
Traces its political roots back to the First Republic with the iconic nationalist Adegoke Adelabu popularly known as Penkelemesi.Today, his grandson, Adebayo Adelabu (former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria) remains a major political figure, having served as a Power Minister before recently vying for the APC governorship primary in his state , which he sadly lost to Sharafadeen Alli.The family is synonymous with Ibadan traditional influence, grassroots populism, and high-level financial administration.
THE LADOJA FAMILY
Senator Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, businessman, and the current Olubadan is considered the “grand gatekeeper” and kingmaker of modern Oyo State politics, responsible for shaping and unseating successive administrations.His influence over the choice of Sharafadeen Alli as the APC flag bearer in next year’s guber elections is the topic among Politicos in Oyo State presently.
THE OSOBA FAMILY:
Former Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba is a foundational leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a national political elder statesman. His legacy is continued by his son, Olumide Osoba, who represents the Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi Owode Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. A few days ago, the Lawmaker won the APC primaries to contest in next year’s elections again. If he wins, he will be joining the House for the 4th term.
OBASANJO FAMILY
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo wields immense national and international political influence. His daughter, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello continued this legacy by serving as Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health (2003–2007) and was subsequently elected to the Nigerian Senate at a time.Her recent quest to contest the governorship seat in her state was dealt a huge blow following the emergence of Senator YAYI,who clinched the APC primaries ticket.
THE AKUME DYNASTY
Senator George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). Akume is a towering figure in Benue politics, having served as a two-term Governor (1999–2007), a three-term Senator, and a Federal Minister. He operates a formidable political structure in the state, and his wife, Regina Akume, serves as a federal lawmaker representing the Gboko/Tarka Federal Constituency.
THE MARK DYNASTY
Senator David Mark. A prominent figure from the Idoma-speaking Benue South Senatorial District. Mark is a veteran politician who served as the President of the Nigerian Senate from 2007 to 2015. His political influence continues through his daughter, Hon. Blessing Onuh (currently an All Progressives Congress lawmaker in the House of Representatives representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency). Mark is presently the Chairman of new Political Party, ADC.
JAKANDE DYNASTY
The patriarch of the dynasty, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande born in Lagos to parents from Omu-Aran, Kwara State, began as an investigative journalist and protégé of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. As governor, his mass housing estates (Jakande Estates), free education schemes, and founding of the Lagos State University (LASU) defined his legacy. He later served as the Minister of Works and Housing under the Abacha military regime.
Continuing the family’s political footprint, his son Seyi Jakande serves as a grassroots leader and Executive Chairman of the Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos.
Deji Jakande: Another of the late governor’s sons who previously ventured into federal politics, representing his constituency in the House of Representatives.
OTHER NOTABLE FAMILIES INCLUDE
Former governor of Niger State, now a senator, Abubakar Sani Bello, who is a son to Col. Sani Bello (rtd) who served as military governor of Kano between 1975 and 1978 after leaving office as governor contested and won the Niger North senatorial district seat.
The younger Bello popularly known as Abulolo served as Niger governor for 8 years between 2015 and 2023.
Though out of power, 3 former governors of Delta State: James Onanafe Ibori, Emmanuel Uduaghan and Ifeanyi Okowa have indirectly not left the power loop with their children in the corridors of power at both the state and national levels.
A daughter of Ibori, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, in what is believed to be through her father’s political influence, secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the Ethiope Federal Constituency of Delta State during the 2023 National Assembly elections.She has since defected to the APC.
Ibori is seen as the political godfather and “kingmaker” of Delta politics and has influence in the emergence of leaders in the state.
After getting to the House of Reps, she was appointed Chairman, House Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), which is considered one of the juicy committees in the Green Chamber.
There’s also former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa’s daughter, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, who secured the PDP’s ticket for Ika North East House of Assembly seat in the DSHA. She has also defected to the APC as well.
She was returned unopposed in the primary election for the seat and went on to win the election to represent the people of Ika North East in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Her father,a few days ago also won his primaries by emerging the flag bearer for Delta North in the Senate seat at next year’s polls.
Daughter of former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, Orode Uduaghan,is also a Commissioner in the present administration in the state.
Other children of politicians in the 10th House of Representatives include Adegboyega Adefarati, son of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Adebayo Adefarati. The junior Adefarati heads the House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity.
Joshua Gana, son of veteran politician and scholar, Prof. Jerry Gana, is among children of influential politicians who made it to the 10th National Assembly. He currently represents Lavun/Mokwa/Edati Federal Constituency of Niger State in the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Though his election was initially annulled by the tribunal in September 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision in November of the same year, affirming his mandate.
Similarly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Asiya Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, daughter of the APC National Chairman and former Kano State governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as one of the directors in the newly established North West Development Commission (NWDC).
Asiya Ganduje was nominated to serve as the Director of Community and Rural Development, while the son of Senator Aliyu Wamakko, former Governor of Sokoto State, Muhammad Mahdi Wamakko, was selected to lead the Planning, Research, Statistics, and Management Information System Department in the commission.
Barrister Ededem Anthony Ani, the son of a former Minister of Finance under the military government of late General Sani Abacha was appointed Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Governor Bassey Otu’s government.
It was believed that his nomination might be a compensation for the support the governor received from the octogenarian former minister. Ani Jr was the principal partner in a law firm before his appointment.
On his part, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno appointed his daughter, Helen Eno-Obareki, to coordinate activities of the office of the First Lady of the state following the death of his wife, Pastor Patience Eno.
Wole Alakija
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