The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly opposed the idea of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, becoming the next governor of Lagos State.
The party vowed that Lagosians would resist any attempts to impose Seyi as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s successor in 2027.
This declaration follows endorsements by various groups suggesting Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate for governor.
The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders recently endorsed Seyi Tinubu during a meeting in Owerri, Imo State. The group suggested that he could run for governor not only in Lagos but also in Osun or Imo states, given his family’s ties to those regions.
Similarly, a socio-political group, Friends of Seyi Tinubu, lauded him as a visionary leader with rare qualities, including intellect, empathy, and strategic acumen.
However, these endorsements have sparked criticism from various quarters.
The Lagos PDP spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, dismissed the idea of Seyi Tinubu’s governorship bid, stating emphatically that Lagosians would not accept it.
“Lagos will not serve him,” Amode declared, adding, “Governorship is not a gift. Should governorship now be inherited? This idea is inappropriate and will be resisted.”
He further criticized the alleged attempt to treat Lagos as a family inheritance, warning that the Tinubu political camp would face stiff opposition if they tried to impose Seyi. Amode also pointed out that many Lagosians did not vote for Bola Tinubu in the last presidential election, a sign of potential rejection for his son.
The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths also condemned the endorsements, arguing that non-indigenes should not govern Lagos. They maintained that the state should prioritize the leadership of its indigenous citizens.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos dismissed the discussions as premature. Seye Oladejo, the Lagos APC spokesperson, called on Lagosians to focus on the current administration rather than speculate about the 2027 elections.
“It is too early to be discussing the 2027 elections. We should rally behind the governor and the president now to advance development,” Oladejo said.
Prominent APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe also criticized the notion of a Seyi Tinubu governorship. Writing on his Facebook page, Igbokwe questioned the motives behind the endorsements, labeling them a “needless distraction” aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction. Ruling Lagos is not a job for amateurs,” Igbokwe wrote.
The growing debate over Seyi Tinubu’s potential candidacy highlights simmering tensions over political succession in Lagos. While some groups see promise in Seyi’s leadership abilities, opposition voices are rallying to prevent what they perceive as an attempt to extend the Tinubu dynasty in Nigeria’s most populous state.
As discussions heat up, all eyes will be on the political dynamics in Lagos ahead of the 2027 elections.
