10 Nigerian States That Have Ever Produced Presidents

Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has had 16 different presidents, some elected, others brought in by military coups. 

But here’s what many Nigerians may not know, out of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, only 10 have ever produced a Head of State or President.

This pattern reveals how power has rotated through regions, often favoring certain areas over others. Here are the states and the men they’ve produced.

Ogun State 

Ogun stands out with three leaders, Olusegun Obasanjo, who first ruled as a military leader (1976–1979) and returned as an elected president (1999–2007). Also, Ernest Shonekan, who briefly headed an interim government in 1993.

Obasanjo’s influence on Nigeria’s political and democratic landscape is unmatched. Shonekan’s short tenure, though controversial, still marks Ogun’s contribution to national leadership.

Katsina State 

Katsina also claims three presidents, Muhammadu Buhari, who ruled first as a military leader (1983–1985) and later as a civilian president (2015–2023). Also, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Nigeria’s president from 2007 until his death in 2010.

Kano State 

From Kano came two notable military rulers, Murtala Mohammed, known for his radical reforms and nationalistic drive, though his reign was cut short by assassination in 1976.

Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s longest-serving military ruler in the 1990s, remembered for his authoritarian style and controversial legacy. 

Niger State 

Niger State gave Nigeria two Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida, who led from 1985 to 1993, and annulled the famous June 12 election.

Abdulsalami Abubakar, who succeeded Abacha and transitioned the country back to democracy in 1999. While Babangida is remembered for economic reforms and political instability, Abubakar is credited with handing power to civilians.

Anambra State 

Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigeria’s first ceremonial president after becoming a republic in 1963, hailed from Anambra. Known as “Zik of Africa,” he was a major voice for independence and a symbol of pan-African pride.

Abia State 

Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military Head of State after the 1966 coup, was from present-day Abia.

Though his leadership lasted only six months, it marked the country’s shift from democracy to military rule.

Plateau State 

Yakubu Gowon, who assumed office at just 31, ruled during Nigeria’s Civil War and promoted unity with his “No victor, no vanquished” policy. He remains a respected figure from Plateau State and in Nigeria’s post-war reconciliation history.

Sokoto State 

Shehu Shagari, the first civilian executive president (1979–1983), was from Sokoto.
His presidency was ended by a military coup, but his election marked Nigeria’s first democratic handover.

Bayelsa State 

Goodluck Jonathan, who first served as vice president, became president in 2010 after Yar’Adua’s death and was elected in 2011.

He’s the only Nigerian president from the oil-rich Niger Delta and is known for peaceful power transition after losing re-election in 2015.

Lagos State 

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s current president as of 2025, is the first to come from Lagos. After decades of being a political kingmaker, Tinubu finally emerged as president, marking a new phase for Nigeria’s southwest.

What you should know

Despite having 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, leadership in Nigeria has come from just 10 states. Power has concentrated largely in the North and Southwest, with Ogun and Katsina alone producing nearly 40% of Nigeria’s heads of state.

While it’s easy to view this as a matter of coincidence or political strategy, the trend highlights the uneven political influence across Nigeria. States like Borno, Delta, Enugu, and Cross River rich in culture, people, and resources have never produced a Nigerian president.