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Lagos Resists Dynasty Politics: PDP Rejects Seyi Tinubu’s Governorship Ambitions

By Achimi Muktar

In a bold political statement, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly rejected any attempts to impose Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as the next governor of Lagos. This comes in response to recent endorsements suggesting that the younger Tinubu could be groomed as the successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in 2027.

Political Dynasty? Lagos Won’t Serve Father, Son—PDP Fires Back

The latest controversy erupted following endorsements from various groups, including the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, which recently suggested that Seyi could be a viable candidate for governorship in Osun or Imo states—areas his family is reportedly linked to. Additionally, the Friends of Seyi Tinubu group praised the president's son as a "visionary leader" and urged him to consider running for governor.

However, these calls for a Tinubu family dynasty have not been well received by several stakeholders, including the Lagos PDP. In a fiery interview with Sunday PUNCH, Hakeem Amode, the party’s spokesperson, vehemently rejected the notion. "Lagos will not serve him," Amode stated, questioning whether governorship should become a family inheritance.

"Governorship is not a gift," he added, warning that any attempt to impose the president’s son would face stiff resistance, especially if similar tactics used in states like Ondo and Edo in the past were employed in Lagos.

Amode also pointed out that many Lagosians did not vote for Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, hinting that the same people would not support his son for governor.

Lagos Youths and Stakeholders Voice Their Concerns

The growing opposition to the Tinubu family’s potential grip on Lagos governance was further echoed by the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths, which condemned any idea of a Tinubu family member taking the helm of the state. They argued that only indigenes of Lagos should be allowed to govern the state.

Premature Talk? APC Pushes Back

While the PDP ramps up its resistance, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos is urging a more measured approach. Seye Oladejo, the APC’s spokesperson in Lagos, dismissed discussions about the 2027 governorship election as premature.

“It is too early to be discussing the 2027 elections,” Oladejo told reporters, urging the public to focus on supporting the current government and its efforts to drive development in the state.

Prominent APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe also took to social media, questioning the motives behind the push for Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy. "Who are these faceless people pushing Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor? This is a needless distraction. The real target is to bring down President Bola Tinubu," Igbokwe wrote on his Facebook page.

The Road Ahead for Seyi Tinubu’s Political Journey

As the 2027 elections loom, the question of whether Lagos will embrace a political dynasty or resist what many see as an attempt to transfer power within one family remains a divisive issue. With the PDP doubling down on its rejection of Seyi Tinubu’s potential candidacy and the APC urging patience, it seems the battle for Lagos’ future is just beginning.

Will the city of Lagos continue to steer clear of dynastic politics, or will Seyi Tinubu emerge as the heir apparent in the quest for governance? The political landscape is poised for an intense showdown as both sides prepare for the fight ahead.