The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a strong rebuke to recent endorsements of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as a prospective candidate for the governorship of Lagos in 2027. The PDP’s response comes after various groups, including the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and Friends of Seyi Tinubu, advocated for the younger Tinubu’s candidacy, praising his leadership qualities and potential for office.
Hakeem Amode, spokesperson for the Lagos PDP, firmly rejected these endorsements, asserting that Lagos would not tolerate a governorship “inherited” by lineage. “Lagos will not serve him,” Amode said, dismissing the idea that political office could be passed down as a family right. “Governorship is not a gift,” he continued, cautioning against any attempts to impose a family dynasty on Lagos. Amode warned that Lagosians, who largely did not back Tinubu in the last presidential election, would likely resist similar moves at the state level.
The endorsements of Seyi Tinubu have divided public opinion, with some groups extending their support while others have voiced their discontent. In a public endorsement made in Owerri, Imo State, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders expressed that Seyi Tinubu would be welcomed as a potential leader not only in Lagos but also in other states linked to his family heritage, such as Osun or Imo. Friends of Seyi Tinubu further endorsed him, describing him as a visionary figure with an “exceptional blend of intellect, empathy, and strategic acumen.”
Despite this, opposition voices have grown louder. The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths released a statement condemning the possibility of any non-indigene, particularly from the Tinubu family, taking the helm of Lagos. Their message reflected concerns over external influence in Lagos governance and underscored the city’s cultural independence.
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos has urged restraint. Seye Oladejo, the party’s spokesperson, described the 2027 governorship discourse as premature, encouraging the public to focus on supporting the current administration. “We should rally behind the governor and the president now to advance development,” he advised.
Joe Igbokwe, a prominent APC figure, also voiced scepticism on social media, suggesting that the push for Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy could be a diversion intended to undermine President Tinubu’s standing. “Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction,” he wrote. “Ruling Lagos is not a job for amateurs.”
With discussions heating up, the prospect of Seyi Tinubu’s governorship bid in Lagos has become a flashpoint, sparking broader conversations on the state’s political future and the boundaries of family influence in Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
