The 2023 elections will witness more children of notable politicians gunning for elective offices than in previous years, thus signaling the emergence of new political dynasties.

With Nigeria’s economy distressed, politics now seems a major lucrative business for many politically influential families.

Whether in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), political office holders are not only seeking more time in office but are also installing members of their immediate families, especially children, creating paths for them to continue holding sway in the political space.

Though the scions of notable politicians have rights to contest elective offices, some analysts insist that it is a means devised by the politicians to perpetuate themselves in power, and that they prevent free and fair electoral exercises as they desperately manipulate the process to achieve their goal.

Some political watchers also argue that politicians take their children on board to ensure they retain their source of income and influence.

Sunday Independent takes a look at some of the heirs to emerging political dynasties in the country.

One of them is Mohammed Abacha, son of the late dictator, General Sani Abacha. Mohammed won the Kano governorship ticket on the platform of the PDP, having scored 736 votes against his closest rival, Ja’afar Sani-Bello, who scored 710 votes.

Similarly, Mustapha Lamido, the son of former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, emerged the governorship candidate of the opposition PDP in the state. Lamido defeated his opponent, Sale Shehu, a former Minister for Works by 829 to zero votes, to secure the governorship ticket of the PDP.

In Kaduna State, Bello, the son of Governor Nasir El-Rufai, was in the race to represent Kaduna North Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Bello won the ticket of the APC.

Still in Kaduna, Sadiq, son of the convener of Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Prof. AngoAbdullahi, won the SabonGari Federal Constituency.

Sadiq, who was one of those abducted by terrorists who attacked the Abuja-Kaduna bound train in Kaduna on March 28, is still in the custody of his kidnappers.

In Oyo State Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, son of late former Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, emerged as the APC candidate for Ibadan South-West II State Constituency.

His opponents at the primary had stepped down to pave the way for Ajimobi as the party’s flag bearer ahead of the 2023 general election.

Also in Oyo State, son of the late former governor, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, won the APC ticket for Ogbomoso North, South and Oriire Federal Constituency.

Olamijuwonlo, a former chairman of Ogbomoso North Local Government Area secured all the 150 votes to clinch the ticket of the APC.

In Ekiti, Joju Fayose, son of former governor, Ayodele Fayose, won the ticket for Ekiti Central Federal Constituency 1 on the PDP platform. Joju scored 69 votes to defeat Deji Adeosun, who polled nine votes.

In Kano State, son of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, Umar Ganduje, secured the APC ticket for House of Representatives, Dawakin Tofa, Rimin Gado, and Tofa Federal Constituency.

Junaidu Yakubu, an aspirant for the seat in the APC, had withdrawn from the contest, to pave the way for Ganduje’s son.

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’ daughter, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, secured the PDP’s ticket for Ika North East House of Assembly seat in Delta State.The governor’s daughter had been returned unopposed in the primary election for the seat.(Sunday Independent)

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