The recent defection of Abba Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) underscores that political allegiances in prominent Nigerian families are not always uniform.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abba Atiku has pledged his support to President Bola Tinubu and the APC, placing him politically at odds with his father, who is leading an opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) aimed at unseating the President.

While Atiku remains a key opposition figure, his son’s defection highlights the growing trend of political independence within elite families ahead of the 2027 general elections.

This phenomenon is not new in Nigeria’s political history. Several politicians have openly aligned with parties different from their parents or close relatives. Some notable examples include:

Alvan Ikoku vs Samuel Goomsu Ikoku
In the First Republic, Samuel Goomsu Ikoku, a radical socialist in the Action Group, contested and defeated his father, Alvan Ikoku, of the United National Independence Party in the 1957 Eastern House of Assembly elections. This marked one of the earliest instances of father and son taking opposing political stances.

Olushola Saraki vs Bukola Saraki
During the lead-up to Kwara State’s 2011 governorship election, former Senate President Bukola Saraki remained in the PDP supporting Abdulfatah Ahmed, while his father, Olushola Saraki, joined the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria backing his daughter, Gbemisola Saraki. Bukola Saraki’s camp ultimately prevailed.

Nasir El-Rufai vs Bello El-Rufai
After former Governor Nasir El-Rufai left the APC for the Social Democratic Party and later joined the ADC coalition, his eldest son, Bello El-Rufai, remained loyal to the APC as a member of the House of Representatives.

David Mark vs Blessing Onyeche Onuh
Ex-Senate President David Mark, now active in the ADC, and his daughter, Blessing Onuh, are on opposing sides. While Mark campaigns against the APC, Onuh represents Otukpo/Ohimini in the House of Representatives under the ruling party.

James Ibori vs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu
Former Delta Governor James Ibori, a PDP stalwart, has a daughter, Ibori-Suenu, in the APC, serving as a federal lawmaker after previously being a PDP member.

Olusegun Obasanjo vs Juwon Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo supported the PDP candidate in 2019, while his son Juwon openly campaigned for former President Buhari and served as national coordinator of the Buhari Youth Organisation.

Doyin Okupe vs Ditan Okupe
In the 2019 election, former presidential spokesman Doyin Okupe backed the PDP, whereas his son, Ditan Okupe, supported President Buhari’s reelection under the APC.

These cases illustrate that political loyalty in Nigeria is not always inherited, as children of prominent leaders often chart their own paths, even if it means opposing their parents’ political choices.