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Top 10 most powerful and influential politicians in Nigeria

Here is an updated list of some of the most powerful and influential politicians in Nigeria and the reasons why they are considered as such:

Muhammadu Buhari

President of Nigeria since 2015, Buhari is a retired Major General in the Nigerian Army and a former military ruler of Nigeria (1983-1985). He is seen as a symbol of integrity and anti-corruption, and his administration has made efforts to tackle corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.

Yemi Osinbajo

Vice President of Nigeria since 2015, Osinbajo is a lawyer, professor, and former Attorney General of Lagos State. He is widely respected for his legal expertise, and his role in the Buhari administration has been focused on economic development and poverty alleviation.

Bola Tinubu

A former Governor of Lagos State (1999-2007), Tinubu is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the ruling party and Nigeria’s president- elect. He is considered a political kingmaker and has played a key role in the political careers of many politicians in Nigeria.

Rabiu Kwankwaso

A former Governor of Kano State, Kwankwaso is a former Minister of Defence and has been involved in various political intrigues in Nigeria. He is seen as a political heavyweight in Northern Nigeria and is known for his populist policies.

Goodluck Jonathan

A former President of Nigeria (2010-2015), Jonathan is a zoologist and former Governor of Bayelsa State. He is known for his quiet and unassuming personality, and his administration was marked by efforts to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure and strengthen democracy.

Bukola Saraki

A former Senate President of Nigeria (2015-2019), Saraki is a medical doctor and former Governor of Kwara State. He is seen as a political heavyweight and has been involved in various political intrigues and power plays in Nigeria.

Aminu Tambuwal

Governor of Sokoto State since 2015, Tambuwal is a former Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nigeria. He is a lawyer and is seen as a charismatic and dynamic politician with strong leadership qualities.

Nyesom Wike

Nyesom Wike is the incumbent governor of Rivers State, elected in 2015.

Wike is a lawyer and former Minister of State for Education. He is known for his confrontational style of politics and has been involved in various controversies and power struggles in Nigeria.

Adams Oshiomhole

A former National Chairman of the APC, Oshiomhole is a former Governor of Edo State. He is seen as a firebrand politician and has been involved in various labour and political struggles in Nigeria.

Rotimi Amaechi

Ex-Minister of Transportation, Amaechi is a former Governor of Rivers State. He is seen as a political strategist and has been involved in various power struggles in Nigeria. He is also a close ally of President Buhari.

It is worth noting that this list is not exhaustive and there are many other politicians in Nigeria who wield significant power and influence. Additionally, the rankings of these politicians may vary depending on various factors such as political affiliations, personal achievements, and public perception.


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The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.

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