Last Tuesday in Abuja, former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi appeared at a protest at the National Assembly, accompanied by his son. While placards called for electronic transmission of election results, the image of father and son sparked debate about political grooming and dynastic influence in Nigeria.
Amaechi explained his son’s presence, noting he is a medical doctor prepared to assist anyone injured, countering critics who accuse politicians of keeping their children removed from public struggles. Yet in Nigeria, early exposure to high-level political events often signals a subtle start to a public career. Across the country, children of prominent politicians regularly attend state visits, party events, and official engagements, building networks that later facilitate entry into leadership positions.
Historical examples illustrate this pattern. In Kwara, the political network of Olusola Saraki elevated his son, Bukola Saraki, from governor to Senate President. In Kaduna, former governor Nasir El-Rufai’s son transitioned from adviser to House of Representatives member. Similar visibility of Seyi Tinubu, the son of Bola Tinubu, has generated debate about nepotism and inherited influence.
Critics argue that dynastic politics narrows opportunity, discourages newcomers, and transforms leadership into inheritance rather than merit. Human rights defender Joseph Nwakaibeya contrasted this with former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose children remained largely absent from government affairs.
Public affairs commentator Oluwatobiloba Adebayo remarked, “Leadership isn’t a competition. It’s an inheritance. And while we’re busy being divided, they’re busy being deliberate.”
As the protest concluded, the father-and-son presence symbolized the enduring tension: will Nigeria’s democracy widen access, or will political power continue to pass quietly from one generation to the next?
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