Recent endorsements of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a candidate for the Lagos State governorship in 2027 have sparked varied reactions across political and social spheres.
The campaign gained traction after the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) publicly endorsed Seyi Tinubu in a statement released in Owerri, Imo State. The group cited his philanthropic efforts as evidence of his leadership potential.
“When flooding struck Borno State, Seyi Tinubu and his team were there to support affected Nigerians, providing relief items such as food, household utensils, drugs, and financial assistance,” CONYL stated.
Similarly, the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths, led by Dr. Stanley Augustine Kavwam and Capt. Brent Kane, joined the endorsement, urging Seyi to run in 2027. They described him as the visionary leader Lagos needs.
A socio-political group, Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST), echoed these sentiments, praising his intellect, empathy, and strategic leadership. Comr. Adejorin Tai Manuel, FOST’s president, argued that Seyi Tinubu’s contributions to societal progress demonstrate his readiness to lead Lagos.
The endorsements have been met with significant opposition. Joe Igbokwe, a prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized the movement in a Facebook post, calling it a distraction.
“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor? This is a needless distraction. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys,” Igbokwe wrote.
Similarly, the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths rejected the endorsement, describing it as an insult to the rights of Lagos indigenes.
“Since 1999, Lagos has experienced marginalization, with true indigenes rarely occupying the governorship. We condemn this ill-fated endorsement and urge Seyi Tinubu to consider other states, such as Osun, for his ambitions,” the group said.
The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also opposed the idea, with spokesperson Hakeem Amode declaring, “Lagos will not serve him.” Amode questioned whether governorship should be treated as an inheritance, warning that any imposition would face resistance.
Human rights activist Deji Adeyanju labeled the endorsement “laughable,” arguing it reflects a disregard for Lagos citizens.
“Is Lagos a monarchy where leadership is passed from father to son? This suggests elections in Lagos are mere selections, devoid of democratic integrity,” Adeyanju stated, urging Lagosians to resist any undemocratic processes.
The debate surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s potential candidacy highlights larger concerns about the political dynamics in Lagos State. Critics argue that power in the state has become concentrated, while proponents of Seyi’s candidacy see him as a fresh and capable leader.
As the 2027 elections approach, the controversy over these endorsements is likely to intensify, with stakeholders on all sides making their positions clear.
