I responded to Seyi Tinubu with my song, not an attack – Eedris Abdulkareem

Seyi Tinubu made this statement in March 2025 during an event in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State.

Abdulkareem during an intervew today, emphasized that his song “Tell Your Papa” is a call for the president’s son to encourage his father to tackle Nigeria’s pressing economic and security issues.

“Nigerian youths are simply asking for the basics: electricity, security, a conducive economic environment, job creation, and not mere palliatives. So, why would I attack Seyi Tinubu personally? If he hadn’t made that comment, I wouldn’t have felt the need to record this song. I was inspired to do so in response to his video. If he had remained silent, I would have said nothing.”

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) swiftly deemed Abdulkareem’s new song inappropriate, banning it from radio and television.

This decision, however, has faced criticism from many Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who labeled it a resurgence of censorship and a threat to free speech.

During the interview, Abdulkareem expressed frustration that, 24 years after releasing his previous hit “Nigeria Jagajaga,” the song remains relevant due to the lack of progress in the country.

He continued, “I was inspired to write the song after seeing Seyi Tinubu campaign for his father, repeatedly stating, ‘My father is the best president, my father is the greatest president, they’re coming for my father…’ He made these claims multiple times. But Seyi, I disagree with you. Sometimes, it’s better to stay silent than to speak without purpose. I would advise Seyi to let someone else handle the mic next time; he lacks the charisma and clarity to discuss Nigeria’s real economic challenges.”

Abdulkareem concluded by saying that while Seyi may be a good son to his father, his father’s presidency has not benefited the Nigerian people.

“Seyi might enjoy the comforts his father provides, but Nigerian youths are struggling without jobs and access to basic necessities. I challenge Seyi Tinubu to travel the roads like ordinary citizens do, without security, so he can truly understand their pain.”