- Full Name: Abubakar Atiku Bagudu CON
- Date of Birth: December 26, 1961
- Age: 61 years
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Spouses: Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu, Aisha Atiku Bagudu
- Children: Maryam Bagudu
- Education: Usmanu Danfodiyo University, University of Jos
- Occupation: Politician
Early Life: Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was born on December 26, 1961, in Kebbi State, Nigeria. His educational journey took him to Usmanu Danfodiyo University and the University of Jos, where he likely honed his skills and knowledge before entering the political sphere.
Family: Bagudu is married to Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu and Aisha Atiku Bagudu. His family life remains relatively private, with limited public information available about his extended family and upbringing.
Political Career: Bagudu’s political career saw him serve as the governor of Kebbi State from 2015 to 2023. Before his governorship, he represented the Kebbi Central senatorial district from 2009 to 2015.
Businesses and Wealth: Abubakar Atiku Bagudu’s business interests and wealth are often tied to his political engagements. His net worth is not publicly disclosed or officially documented.
Legal Issues: Bagudu has been associated with investigations involving corruption during the regime of former Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha.
Houses and Cars: Specific details about Bagudu’s properties, houses, and cars are not readily available in the public domain.
Biography and Early Life of Abubakar Atiku Bagudu
Abubakar Atiku Bagudu was born on December 26, 1961, in Gwandu, Kebbi State. Hailing from a privileged background, his father served as the director of primary education in Kebbi State. Bagudu pursued his education with dedication, earning a BSc in Economics from Usmanu Danfodiyo University in Sokoto, an MSc from the University of Jos, and further pursued an MA in International Affairs from Columbia University in New York, USA.
Political Career:
Bagudu’s entry into politics began in 2008, when he was elected senator for the Kebbi Central senatorial district. After President Goodluck Jonathan named Senator Adamu Aliero Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, his entry took place during a by-election. He later secured re-election in 2011 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In 2014, Bagudu made a significant move by defecting from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Subsequently, he became the party’s flagbearer for the Kebbi 2015 gubernatorial elections, triumphing substantially. His victory in this election propelled him into the position of governor, a position he held for two terms. He spearheaded various developmental projects in areas such as road construction, agriculture, health, education, and social development during his tenure.
Bagudu also fostered partnerships with the Lagos State government to establish a commodity value chain to enhance food processing, production, and distribution. His efforts attracted investors like Dangote, who established a rice mill and sugar factory in Kebbi, along with the Kebbi/NNPC ethanol project in Zuru Emirate.
In 2023, Bagudu contested for the APC ticket for the Kebbi Central senatorial election but lost the general election to the PDP incumbent, Adamu Aliero, who had previously moved from the APC after losing the primaries. Despite this electoral setback, Bagudu was appointed as the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning by President Bola Tinubu on August 16, 2023.
This trajectory marks Bagudu’s significant influence and transitions within Nigerian politics, from a senatorial role to a gubernatorial position and now into a ministerial role. His political career has been notable for changes in political affiliations, significant election victories, and significant contributions to the growth of Kebbi State.
Personal Life:
Abubakar Atiku Bagudu is married to two wives, Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu and Aisha Atiku Bagudu. He has several children from both marriages. His wife, Dr. Zainab Atiku Bagudu is a medical doctor known for founding the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. This non-governmental organization provides underprivileged individuals with cancer awareness, screening, and treatment services.
Relationship with Sani Abacha and Legal Issues:
Bagudu had a close relationship with the former Nigerian Head of State, Major General Sani Abacha. Abacha was accused of embezzling over $2.2 billion of public funds during his five-year tenure as Nigerian president in the 1990s. Bagudu, in connection with this, faced legal issues. In 2003, he was arrested and deported from Houston, Texas, at the request of Jersey. Bagudu had allegedly set up a shell company called Doraville Properties to launder funds stolen from Nigeria. He settled with the authorities and forfeited some of his assets, leading to his release.
Net Worth:
While Bagudu’s precise net worth is not publicly disclosed, he is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest politicians in Nigeria. He reportedly owns several properties and businesses both within Nigeria and abroad. These assets include a mansion in Asokoro, Abuja, a Dubai hotel, and an Argentina farm. Bagudu also invests in oil and gas, banking, and telecommunications sectors.
His business interests and extensive property holdings contribute significantly to his perceived wealth, although specific financial details might not be publicly known or disclosed.
