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20 Most Powerful Politicians in Nigeria (2023)
Nigeria is a complex country with a diverse population; as a result, its politics are also complex and ever-changing. However, there are a handful of politicians who consistently rank among the most powerful in Nigeria.
These leaders have enormous sway over Nigeria’s political system and the ability to influence how the country develops. They have the power to affect the enactment of laws, the selection of important officials, and the course of the nation. They thus play a significant influence in determining Nigeria’s destiny.
However, the influence of these politicians is not unqualified. Additionally, they have to deal with the demands of other strong organisations like the military, big business, and traditional leaders. Furthermore, Nigeria’s political environment is frequently unstable, and these politicians’ influence may change depending on the situation.
The most influential politicians in Nigeria continue to have a significant influence on the direction of the nation despite these difficulties. They are the ones that decide things that actually affect how ordinary Nigerians live.
20 Most Powerful Politicians in Nigeria
Here are the most powerful politicians in Nigeria in 2023:
1. Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the most powerful politician in Nigeria, who is the 16th and current president of the country. He was the governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007; and senator for Lagos West in the Third Republic.
Tinubu was born in Lagos State; he attended St. John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos before proceeding to Children’s Home School in Ibadan.
He completed undergraduate studies in the United States, first at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago and then at Chicago State University. He graduated in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.
Tinubu is a controversial figure and has been accused of corruption and of being a power broker. However, he is also seen by many as a shrewd politician who has been able to achieve a great deal for Lagos State.
2. Peter Obi
Peter Obi is currently the most influential politician in Nigeria; he was the governor of Anambra State from 2006 to 2014. He is a member of the Labour Party and was the presidential candidate for the 2023 Nigerian general election.
Obi was born in Onitsha, Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy. He then worked as an accountant and banker before entering politics.
Furthermore, Obi was elected governor of Anambra State in 2006. During his time as governor, he was known for his fiscal prudence and his commitment to good governance. He left office with a budget surplus and a reputation for being one of the most successful governors in Nigeria.
Peter Obi is a also controversial figure, but he is also one of the most popular politicians in Nigeria. He is seen by the youths as a breath of fresh air in a country that is mired in corruption and political stagnation.
3. Mohammed Buhari
Mohammed Buhari is the former president of Nigeria ( 14th president of Nigeria) and also one of the most powerful politicians in the country. A retired major general in the Nigerian Army, he previously served as the country’s military head of state from 31 December 1983 to 27 August 1985, after taking power in a military coup d’état.
Buhari was born in Daura, Katsina State, Nigeria. He attended Katsina College and then went on to the Nigerian Military School in Zaria. He graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in military science.
His legacy as a president is mixed; he is seen by few as a saviour of the masses and by many as a corrupt and I don’t care politician who has sent the country back to the stone age. Buhari has been criticized for his handling of the Boko Haram insurgency and for his human rights record.
4. Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar is an astute Nigerian politician and businessman; he is among the most powerful politician in the country and served as the vice president of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007 during the presidency of Olusegun Obasanjo.
He is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was the presidential candidate for the 2023 Nigerian general election. Atiku was born in Jada, a village which was then under the administration of the British Cameroons – the territory later joined with the Federation of Nigeria in the 1961 British Cameroons referendum. His father, Garba Abubakar was a Fulani trader and farmer, and his mother was Aisha Kande.
Atiku Abubakar attended primary school in Jada and then went on to secondary school in Yola. He then studied at the School of Economics and Political Science in Kaduna, where he graduated with a diploma in public administration.
He is a polemical figure and has been accused of corruption and of being a power broker. However, he is also seen by many as a shrewd politician who has been able to achieve a great deal for Adamawa State and Nigeria.
5. Rabiu Kwankwaso
Another important and powerful politician in Nigeria is Rabiu Kwakwanso; his influence in the north is tremendous. He is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Kano State from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2011 to 2015. He is a member of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).
Kwankwaso was born in Kwankwaso, Kano State, Nigeria. He attended the School of Basic Studies, Kano, and then went on to the University of Maiduguri, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He then worked as a lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, before entering politics.
Kwankwaso was elected to the Kano State House of Assembly in 1991. He served as the Speaker of the House from 1992 to 1993. In 1999, he was elected governor of Kano State. He was re-elected in 2011.
As governor, Kwankwaso was known for his populist policies and his commitment to education. He introduced a number of reforms to the education system, including the free primary education programme and the establishment of the Kwankwasiyya Schools. He also built a number of new hospitals and roads in Kano State.
6. Nyesom Wike
Nyesom Wike is a Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Rivers State from 2015 to 2023. He is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and is considered to be one of the most powerful politicians in Nigeria.
Wike was born in Rumuepirikom, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He attended the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree. He then worked as a lawyer before entering politics.
Wike was elected to the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. In 2007, he was elected deputy governor of Rivers State. He served in this position until 2015.
In 2015, Wike was elected governor of Rivers State. He defeated the incumbent governor, Rotimi Amaechi, who was a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Wike was re-elected in 2019.
As governor, Wike has been a controversial figure. He has been accused of corruption and of being autocratic. However, he is also seen by many as a strong and capable leader who has made significant progress in developing Rivers State.
7. Femi Gbajabiamila
Femi Gbajabiamila is a shrewd politician and lawyer who is currently serving as the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria;
Gbajabiamila was born in Lagos State, Nigeria. He attended the University of Lagos, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He then worked as a journalist and broadcaster before entering politics.
Gbajabiamila is a strong advocate for good governance and transparency. He has introduced a number of reforms to the House of Representatives in an attempt to make it more efficient and accountable. He is also a strong supporter of the rule of law and has spoken out against corruption and impunity.
Gbajabiamila is a complex figure who is both admired and reviled. He is a powerful politician who has had a major impact on the House of Representatives. It remains to be seen what his legacy will be, but it is sure to be a controversial one.
8. Olusegun Obasanjo
Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Olusegun Obasanjo is a respected elder state man; he is a Nigerian retired military general and politician who served as the first military head of state of Nigeria from 13 February 1976 to 1 October 1979 and later as the president of Nigeria from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.
Obasanjo was born in Ibogun-Olaogun, a village in southwest Nigeria. His later passport gave his date of birth as 5 March 1937, although this was a later estimate, with no contemporary records surviving
Obasanjo fought in the Nigerian Civil War and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general in 1975. In February 1976, he was appointed head of state by the Supreme Military Council following the assassination of Murtala Mohammed.
As head of state, Obasanjo introduced a number of reforms, including the transition to civilian rule. He also oversaw the economic recovery of Nigeria after the Civil War. Obasanjo stepped down as head of state in 1979 and was succeeded by Shehu Shagari.
In 1999, Obasanjo was elected president of Nigeria. He served two terms as president and stepped down in 2007. During his presidency, Obasanjo introduced a number of reforms, including the introduction of a new currency, the Naira. He also oversaw the economic growth of Nigeria.
9. Yemi Osinbajo
Yemi Osinbajo is a Nigerian politician who served as the vice president of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and is a potential future president of Nigeria.
Osinbajo was born in Lagos, Nigeria. He attended the University of Lagos, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law. He then worked as a lawyer before entering politics.
Osinbajo was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the commissioner for justice and attorney general of Lagos State from 2003 to 2007. In 2015, he was elected vice president of Nigeria.
As vice president, Osinbajo has been involved in a number of important initiatives, including the National Social Investment Programme and the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan. He is seen as a potential future president of Nigeria and is one of the most powerful politicians in the country.
10. Bukola Saraki
Bukola Saraki is also a shrewd politician who served as the 13th president of the Nigerian Senate from 2015 to 2019. He is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and is considered to be one of the most powerful politicians in Nigeria.
Saraki was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. He attended Barewa College, Zaria, and then went on to study medicine at the University of Ilorin, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree. He then worked as a medical doctor before entering politics.
Saraki was elected to the Kwara State House of Assembly in 1992. He served as the speaker of the house from 1992 to 1993. In 1999, he was elected governor of Kwara State. He served as governor for two terms, from 1999 to 2007.
Saraki is also a potential future president of Nigeria. He is seen by many as a strong and capable leader who can bring about change in the country.
11. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is a Nigerian politician who served as the president of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He was the 15th president of Nigeria and the first from the southern part of the country.
Jonathan was born in Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He attended the University of Port Harcourt, where he earned a degree in zoology in 1981. He then worked as a teacher and a businessman before entering politics.
Jonathan was elected to the Bayelsa State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the deputy governor of Bayelsa State from 1999 to 2005 and as the governor of Bayelsa State from 2005 to 2007.
In 2007, Jonathan was elected vice president of Nigeria under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He served as vice president under President Umaru Yar’Adua from 2007 to 2010. In 2010, Yar’Adua died in office. Jonathan was sworn in as president on 9 May 2010. He is seen by some as being a weak leader and by many as a compassionate and caring leader who made significant progress in Nigeria.
12. Babatunde Fashola
Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN is a also shrewd politician who served as the 14th governor of Lagos State from 2007 to 2015. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress.
Fashola was born on 28 June 1963 in Lagos State. He attended the University of Lagos, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Law. He then worked as a lawyer before entering politics.
More so, he was elected to the Lagos State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he was appointed as the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure by Governor Bola Tinubu. He served in this position until 2007.
Fashola is considered to be one of the most successful governors in Nigeria’s history. He is known for his technocratic approach to governance and his commitment to public service. He is also a popular figure among Lagosians.
Fashola is a controversial figure. He has been accused of being arrogant and of being too close to the business community. However, he is also seen by many as a visionary leader who has made significant progress in Lagos State.
13. Aminu Tambuwal
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal was born on 10 November 1966, in Tambuwal, Sokoto State, Nigeria. He attended Government College, Keffi, and the University of Maiduguri, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He later obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Wales.
Tambuwal began his career as a banker with the First Bank of Nigeria. He later entered politics and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1999. He served as the Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2007 to 2011.
In 2011, Tambuwal was elected governor of Sokoto State. He was re-elected in 2015. As governor, Tambuwal has focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Sokoto State. Tambuwal is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He is considered to be one of the most powerful politicians in Nigeria.
14. Adams Oshiomhole
Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole is also one of the most powerful politicians in Nigeria; he served as the governor of Edo State from 2007 to 2015. Oshiomhole is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He was born on 4 April 1952 at Iyamho, near Auchi in Edo State. He attended Iyamho Primary School and then went on to attend Egba Teachers’ College, where he graduated with a Diploma in Education. He then worked as a teacher before entering politics.
Oshiomhole was elected to the National Labor Congress (NLC) in 1988. He served as the president of the NLC from 1999 to 2007. As president of the NLC, Oshiomhole led a number of strikes and protests against the government.
In 2007, Oshiomhole was elected governor of Edo State. He was re-elected in 2011. As governor, Oshiomhole focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Edo State. He also made significant progress in reducing crime and corruption.
15. Abdullahi Ganduje
Abdullahi Umar Ganduje is a prominent Nigerian politician who has played a significant role in the country’s political landscape. Born on December 25, 1949, he hails from Kano State.
He attended the School of Basic Studies, Kano, and then went on to study at Bayero University, Kano, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He then worked as a lecturer at the university before entering politics.
Ganduje was elected to the Kano State House of Assembly in 1991. He served as the Speaker of the House from 1992 to 1993. In 1999, he was elected governor of Kano State. He was re-elected in 2003 and 2007.
However, his tenure has also been marked by controversies, notably allegations of corruption and ethical misconduct, which have sparked debates and discussions both within and beyond Nigeria’s political circles.
16. Godwin Obaseki
Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki (born 1 July 1957) is a Nigerian politician and businessman who is currently the Governor of Edo State. Obaseki holds post-graduate degrees in both Finance and International Business and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria
He was first elected governor under the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the year 2016 when he defeated Mr Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the PDP and was sworned in as governor on 12 November 2016.
Obaseki’s political journey has included alliances and shifts, as he initially joined politics under the All Progressives Congress (APC) before moving to the PDP due to intra-party disputes. His leadership style and policy decisions have sparked discussions on governance and political dynamics in Nigeria. However, he is one of the most powerful politicians in Nigeria.
17. Rotimi Amaechi
Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi served as the 4th and 5th Governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Amaechi was born in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. He attended Government Secondary School, Port Harcourt, and then went on to study at the University of Port Harcourt, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He then worked as a lawyer before entering politics.
Amaechi was elected to the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the Speaker of the House from 1999 to 2007. In 2007, he was elected governor of Rivers State. He was re-elected in 2011.
As governor, Amaechi focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Rivers State. He also made significant progress in reducing crime and corruption.
Amaechi is a controversial figure. He has been accused of corruption and of being autocratic. However, he is also seen by many as a strong and capable leader who made significant progress in Rivers State.
18. Nasir El-Rufai
Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai CON is also among the most powerful politicians in Nigeria; he is a shrewd politician who served as the governor of Kaduna State from 2015 to 2023.
He served as minister of the Federal Capital Territory from 2003 to 2007. El-Rufai also served as director of the Bureau of Public Enterprises. He is a co-founding member of the ruling party All Progressives Congress.
El-Rufai was born on 16 February 1960 to a Fulani family in Daudawa, Kaduna State, Nigeria. His father died while he was eight years old, and he was sponsored through his early schooling by an uncle in Kaduna.
Furthermore, El-Rufai attended Barewa College, Zaria, and then went on to study at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Quantity Surveying. He then worked as a quantity surveyor before entering politics.
El-Rufai was elected to the Kaduna State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he was appointed as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory by President Olusegun Obasanjo. He served in this position until 2007.
19. Rauf Aregbesola
Rauf Aregbesola is an astute Nigerian politician who served as the governor of Osun State from 2010 to 2018. He is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Aregbesola was born on 25 May 1957 in Ilesa, Osun State, Nigeria. He attended Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ilesa, and then went on to study at the Polytechnic Ibadan, where he graduated with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Quantity Surveying. He then worked as a quantity surveyor before entering politics.
Aregbesola was elected to the Osun State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Works and Transport from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government of Osun State by Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. He served in this position until 2007.
In 2010, Aregbesola was elected governor of Osun State. He was re-elected in 2014. As governor, Aregbesola focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in Osun State. He also made significant progress in reducing poverty
20. Willie Obiano
Willie Obiano is also among the most powerful politicians in Nigeria; he served as the governor of Anambra State from 2014 to 2022. He is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Obiano was born on 29 July 1961 in Aguleri, Anambra State, Nigeria. He attended Christ the King College, Onitsha, and then went on to study at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. He then worked as a banker before entering politics.
Obiano was elected to the Anambra State House of Assembly in 1999. He served as the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation from 1999 to 2003. In 2003, he was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State by Governor Chris Ngige. He served in this position until 2006.
He has been accused of corruption and of being autocratic. However, he is also seen by many as a strong and capable leader who made progress in Anambra State.
In 2022, Obiano was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges of corruption. He was subsequently released on bail.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a diverse group of powerful individuals who have exercised influence across party lines have influenced Nigeria’s political scene. These politicians have made significant contributions to determining policies, advancing reforms, and influencing the direction of the country, from the presidency to state administrations.
The political landscape in Nigeria is constantly changing, and it is likely that new and powerful figures will emerge in the years to come. From the presidency to state governments, these Nigeria powerful politicians have played pivotal roles in shaping policies, driving reforms, and impacting the nation’s course.