Atiku, Saraki Obasanjo – List Of Children Who Went Against Their Fathers In Nigerian Politics

The recent defection of Abba Atiku Abubakar, a son of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has once again highlighted the reality that prominent political families in Nigeria are not always united along party lines.

Abba Atiku, who has pledged loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the APC, now stands politically opposed to his father, who is leading an opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) with the aim of unseating the President.

While Atiku Abubakar remains one of the most influential opposition figures in the country, his son’s decision places them on opposing sides of Nigeria’s evolving political contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Abba Atiku’s defection is not without precedent. Over the years, several Nigerian politicians have openly aligned with parties different from those of their parents or close family members.

Although the list of such politicians is not exhaustive, the latest defection has renewed public debate on the independence of political choices within elite families.

Alvan Ikoku vs Samuel Goomsu Ikoku

In the First Republic, Samuel Goomsu Ikoku, a radical socialist politician on the Action Group platform in 1957, contested the Eastern House of Assembly election against his father, the famous Alvan Ikoku, whose image was emblazoned on the Nigerian N10 banknote. The junior Ikoku defeated his father, who belonged to the United National Independence Party, setting a precedent for such a political phenomenon: a son and father belonging to opposing political parties.

Olushola Saraki vs Bukola Saraki

At Nigeria’s return to democracy, a political tussle over who would become Kwara’s governor in 2011 saw former Governor Bukola Saraki and his father, Olushola Saraki, part ways after long years of political alliance. The former Senate president held on to the Peoples Democratic Party structure to support his candidate, Abdulfatah Ahmed, while his father defected to the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria to support his daughter Gbemisola Saraki’s governorship bid. The junior Saraki camp, however, won.

Nasir El-Rufai vs Bello El-Rufai

Former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, dumped the party for the Social Democratic Party shortly after his ministerial nomination was blocked by the Senate. He later joined the African Democratic Congress coalition, uniting with other disgruntled politicians who left the PDP for ADC, including Peter Obi (of the Labour Party). However, Mr El-Rufai’s eldest son, Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives, remains an APC member.

David Mark vs Blessing Onyeche Onuh

Former Senate President David Mark, a former PDP bigwig who is now an arrowhead in ADC, and his daughter, Blessing Onuh, are in opposing political parties. While Mr Mark is in the coalition pushing for the ouster of APC, his daughter is a member of the ruling party and represents Otukpo/Ohimini federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

James Ibori vs Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu

James Ibori, a former Delta governor and founding member of the PDP, has his daughter, Ibori-Suenu, in the APC. Ms Ibori-Suenu, a lawmaker in the House of Representatives, was previously a member of the PDP.

Olusegun Obasanjo vs Juwon Obasanjo

While former President Olusegun Obasanjo endorsed the PDP candidate in the 2019 presidential election, his son, Juwon Obasanjo, openly supported and campaigned for former President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. The younger Obasanjo joined the Buhari Campaign Organisation and was appointed as the national coordinator of the Buhari Youth Organisation, working against his father’s preferred candidate.

Doyin Okupe vs Ditan Okupe

In 2019, Doyin Okupe, a PDP member and former spokesman for Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, and his son Ditan Okupe, were in opposing political camps. While Mr Okupe supported the PDP in the 2019 election, his son supported the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC.