The 2027 general election is shaping up to be a family affair as at least 20 children of prominent Nigerian politicians have been listed among candidates seeking seats in the National Assembly.

According to an infographic published in September 2026 by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), based on data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the political heirs are spread across the country, contesting for both Senate and House of Representatives seats.

Out of the number identified, five are contesting for Senate seats while the remaining 15 are seeking seats in the House of Representatives. INEC has fixed the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027.

Here are 12 of the prominent names so far confirmed:

*1. Iyabo Obasanjo – Ogun:* Daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, seeking the Ogun Central senatorial seat on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

*2. Yusuf M. Buhari – Katsina:* Son of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, linked to the Daura/Sandamu/Mai’adua Federal Constituency race.

*3. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Kogi:* Daughter of the late former House of Representatives member Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. She is the incumbent Senator for Kogi Central and is seeking re-election on the PDP platform.

*4. Adamu Atiku – Adamawa:* Son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, contesting for the Adamawa South Senatorial District.

*5. Bello M. El-Rufai – Kaduna:* Son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Currently representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

*6. Chinedum E. Orji – Abia:* Son of former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji, contesting for Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency.

*7. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu – Delta:* Daughter of former Delta State Governor James Ibori, representing Ethiope East/Ethiope West Federal Constituency.

*8. Blessing Onuh – Benue:* Daughter of former Senate President David Mark, representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency.

*9. Olumide Osoba – Ogun:* Son of former Ogun State Governor Olusegun Osoba, representing Abeokuta North/Odeda/Obafemi-Owode Federal Constituency.

*10. Olamiju Alao-Akala – Oyo:* Son of late former Oyo State Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, linked to Orire/Ogbomoso North/Ogbomoso South Federal Constituency.

*11. Adegboyega Adefarati – Ondo:* Son of late former Ondo State Governor Adebayo Adefarati, representing Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency.

*12. Gabriella Omosede Igbinedion – Edo:* Daughter of businessman and politician Gabriel Igbinedion, associated with Ovia North-East/Ovia South-West Federal Constituency.

Other names in the larger list of 20 include Chisom Godswill Anyim, Mustapha Sule Lamido, Funyei Manager and Joshua Audu-Gana, all children of former governors, senators and ministers.

The trend highlights how political influence in Nigeria is increasingly becoming a family affair, with established political families leveraging name recognition and existing networks to secure legislative seats for the next generation.