Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, has always been shaped by an intricate web of power brokers — politicians, business magnates, traditional rulers, and more recently, technology entrepreneurs. But as the nation steps deeper into 2025, the question of “who really runs Nigeria” is more complex than ever. The new elite class is not defined solely by political power or wealth, but by a hybrid blend of influence that cuts across governance, business, technology, culture, and even the digital public square.
From Military to Democracy to Technocracy
Historically, Nigeria’s leadership elite emerged from the military and political classes. From the coups of the 1960s through the dictatorship of the 1980s, the military was the power centre. With the return of democracy in 1999, elected politicians and political godfathers — individuals with massive grassroots influence and financial clout — became the central figures. But as of 2025, that once-stable formula has shifted. The new elite is more diversified, pulling power not just from politics but also from financial institutions, tech start-ups, entertainment, and even social media communities.
The Political Establishment: Still Powerful but Transformed
Political power remains at the core of Nigeria’s elite class. The presidency, governors, and legislators wield immense authority, often deciding the flow of state resources. Yet, unlike the old days of unchecked dominance, their influence is now constrained and shaped by other elite actors.
Political godfathers — long the kingmakers of Nigeria — are still relevant, but their dominance is eroding. Younger politicians with grassroots mobilisation skills, often leveraging digital platforms, are emerging. The electoral cycle of 2023 and beyond showed that Nigerian citizens, especially Gen Z and millennials, have become more politically active, demanding accountability. This shift has compelled politicians to share space with new forms of power.
The Business and Financial Elite: Guardians of Capital
Nigeria’s billionaires — from industrialists to oil magnates — continue to be major players. Figures tied to banking, telecommunications, and energy retain influence by financing elections, lobbying for favourable policies, and controlling industries that shape the economy.
The likes of Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu remain prominent, but newer names in fintech and digital banking are rising fast.
Financial technology companies, now central to Nigeria’s economy, have produced a fresh class of elites: founders of unicorn startups and executives of payment platforms. Their wealth is rivaling that of traditional oil barons, and with the cashless economy accelerating, their sway over the financial future of the nation is undeniable.
Tech Entrepreneurs: The New Power Bloc
Perhaps the most significant shift in Nigeria’s elite structure is the rise of tech entrepreneurs. Startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Andela have reshaped how Nigerians work, pay, and connect to the global economy. The founders and investors of these companies now have direct access to international capital and global policymakers, giving them a unique kind of leverage.
These new elites are also changing philanthropy and civic engagement. Many are funding education, health, and civic-tech initiatives, positioning themselves as problem-solvers where government institutions falter. Their ability to mobilise both capital and public opinion online makes them one of the most formidable groups in the new Nigerian elite class.
Cultural and Media Influencers: The Soft Power Brokers
Beyond politics and economics, Nigeria’s cultural sector has created an entirely new elite. Nollywood filmmakers, Afrobeats musicians, and global influencers have turned Nigerian culture into a dominant global export. Figures like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tiwa Savage wield soft power that rivals traditional elites. They shape national identity, global perception, and even political discourse.
Social media influencers, too, are carving out real power. With millions of followers, they set trends, influence political campaigns, and mobilise youth. In an era where online narratives can make or break reputations, digital voices have become as influential as traditional media houses.
Civil Society and Activists: Guardians of Accountability
The EndSARS protests of 2020 signaled a new wave of elite activism. Young Nigerians mobilized without centralised leadership, powered by social media and crowdfunding. By 2025, this form of activism has matured into more organised civic groups that monitor government policies, mobilise communities, and even shape legislation.
Some activists have transitioned into political office or policy think tanks, creating a new type of elite — not just critics of the state, but participants in governance. Their influence is particularly visible in urban centres, where youth engagement is highest.
Traditional Rulers: Enduring Relevance
While their formal constitutional powers remain limited, traditional rulers in Nigeria retain enormous cultural and spiritual influence. In rural areas and even some cities, emirs, obas, and chiefs are still the first point of authority for millions of Nigerians. Their ability to legitimise governments, ease conflicts, and preserve cultural identity ensures they remain part of the elite class, even if their influence is more symbolic than legislative.
The Military and Security Establishment: Quiet but Crucial
Though no longer in overt political control, the military and security institutions remain critical players. In a nation grappling with insurgency, banditry, and separatist agitations, those who control the levers of security wield substantial behind-the-scenes power. Retired generals continue to act as advisors, and private security contractors are quietly becoming part of Nigeria’s power ecosystem.
Who Really Runs Nigeria?
The short answer: no single group. Nigeria in 2025 is run by a coalition of elites, each holding sway in different but overlapping spheres. Political leaders still manage the machinery of the state, but they do so in negotiation with billionaires, tech innovators, traditional rulers, cultural icons, and increasingly vocal youth movements.
Power in Nigeria today is not centralized but networked. The elite class has become a constellation rather than a pyramid, with shifting alliances depending on the issue at hand — whether it’s an election, an economic crisis, or a cultural debate. The ability to command influence now rests not just on wealth or position, but on agility, visibility, and relevance in multiple spaces at once.
The Implications for Nigeria’s Future
This diversification of power could be a strength if it fosters accountability, innovation, and shared responsibility for governance. However, it also raises concerns about fragmentation and competing interests. When politicians, tech moguls, entertainers, and activists pull in different directions, it can create gridlock. Yet, the same diversity might ensure no single actor can dominate Nigeria unchecked.
Ultimately, the story of Nigeria’s elite in 2025 is a story of transition — from old power built on oil wealth and military dominance to new power fueled by technology, culture, and civic engagement.
Who really runs Nigeria? Everyone and no one. And perhaps, that is the most democratic outcome the nation has ever seen.
