Endorsements for Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 Lagos State governorship election have ignited widespread debate, drawing mixed reactions from political players and the public.
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), a national body of youth groups, announced its support for Seyi Tinubu after a meeting in Owerri. The group cited his leadership qualities and the legacy of his father’s governance in Lagos. Comrade Goodluck Ibem, CONYL’s President General, said, “Seyi Tinubu has the potential to build on the transformational governance Lagos has witnessed under his father.”
The endorsements gained momentum as the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths declared its support at a press conference at Eko Hotel. Dr. Stanley Augustine Kavwam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, said, “Seyi Tinubu represents the visionary leadership Lagos needs in 2027.”
Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) also joined the chorus, praising his philanthropic efforts and readiness to lead. FOST President Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel stated, “Seyi’s actions show he is prepared to take Lagos to greater heights.”
Despite the growing endorsements, the idea of Seyi Tinubu running for governor has been met with criticism, particularly on social media. Prominent APC member Joe Igbokwe dismissed the endorsements as a ploy to undermine President Tinubu. “Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor? This is a needless distraction,” he posted on Facebook.
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Lagos State Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, rumored to have his own gubernatorial aspirations, also addressed the controversy. Following Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s presentation of the 2025 Lagos budget, Obasa clarified his position.
“I am focused on strengthening our party, the APC. Becoming governor is secondary,” he said. However, he added, “I am neither too young nor inexperienced to lead this state. Those who came before me are not better off.”
The Lagos chapter of the APC dismissed claims of internal conflict or early politicking for 2027. The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Seye Oladejo, attributed the endorsements to opposition parties attempting to create division.
“The party has not spoken about the 2027 election. This is the time for impactful governance, not politicking,” Oladejo said. He stressed that the APC’s priority is its upcoming congress and the 2025 local government elections.
Oladejo also denied any tension between Seyi Tinubu and Speaker Obasa. “I cannot recall any part of the speaker’s speech that drew a battle line with Seyi Tinubu or anyone else,” he said.
The Lagos PDP Chairman, Philip Aivoji, denied his party’s involvement in the controversy. When asked about the allegations, Aivoji said, “It’s not my party, and I am not behind it. Anyone spreading such rumors is on their own.”
Amid the speculation, some political figures and analysts have called for attention to remain on governance rather than the 2027 elections. With significant challenges still facing Lagos State, many agree that impactful leadership must take precedence over premature politicking.