DAILY TRUST
The endorsements of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, ahead of the 2027 Lagos governorship election have sparked widespread debate, with significant political players weighing in, Daily Trust reports.
On Tuesday, the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), a body comprising youth groups from across the six geopolitical zones, endorsed Seyi Tinubu for Lagos governor. The endorsement was announced after an extensive meeting in Owerri.
CONYL’s leadership, including President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, Secretary, Comrade Junard Abubakar, Public Relations Officer, Comrade Iniobong Sampson, and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemo Adewale, attributed their decision to Seyi’s perceived leadership qualities and the legacy of his father’s transformational governance in Lagos.
This sparked a cascade of similar endorsements. On Thursday, the Lagos branch of the Middle Belt Youths joined the call during a press conference at Eko Hotel. Dr Stanley Augustine Kavwam, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the Middle Belt Forum, and Capt. Brent Kane, the group’s National Youth Leader, urged Seyi to step up in 2027, describing him as the leader Lagos needs.
Similarly, the Friends of Seyi Tinubu (FOST) issued a statement backing his candidacy. FOST President, Comrade Adejorin Tai Manuel, cited Seyi’s philanthropic efforts and leadership skills as proof of his readiness to govern the state.
The endorsements have generated intense debate, particularly on social media, where critics have dismissed the possibility of Seyi Tinubu running for office.
Joe Igbokwe, a prominent APC member, voiced his opposition in a Facebook post, describing 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. To pull PBAT down is their target. Ruling Lagos is not the job of boys,” Igbokwe wrote.
Amid the growing controversy, Lagos State Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, addressed speculation about his own gubernatorial ambitions.
Speaking shortly after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented the 2025 Lagos budget of N3 trillion to the House of Assembly, Obasa refuted claims of selfish ambition.
“I have made it a personal task to mobilise people on the platform of Mandate, which some political detractors misconstrue as a selfish aspiration to become governor. Let me state unequivocally: my focus is on strengthening our party, the APC. Becoming governor is secondary,” he said.
