They seize power illegally (8)

I believe the answer is:

usurpers

(Other definitions for usurpers that I've seen before include "Pursuers who take power wrongfully" , "Pursuers of those who seize power 98)" , "Pursuers of those who wrongfully take positions of others" , "They assume power illegally" , "Pursuers taking power wrongfully" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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