Seyi Tinubu’s Silent Moves to Become Lagos Governor Worry APC Leaders

There is growing concern within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC) as whispers of a 2027 governorship ambition by Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, begin to grow louder.

The president’s son is 39 years old.

Though Seyi Tinubu, has not made any public statement, several youth groups and Nigerians in the diaspora are already backing him as a future leader of Lagos. Endorsements from the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, The Future Platform, and overseas Nigerian communities have further sparked rumours that he may soon join the race formally.

Despite the silence from Seyi himself, insiders say plans are quietly underway to build support for his candidacy behind closed doors.

If he runs and wins in 2027, Seyi Tinubu would become the youngest governor in Lagos history, surpassing Babatunde Fashola, who took office at 43 in 2007.

But instead of excitement, the rumour has caused tension within the APC, especially among members of the GAC — the same group that helped bring Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, into power.

Created in 1999 by Tinubu when he was governor, the GAC is a 30-member body made up of former governors, deputy governors, senators, and respected elders. It plays a key role in selecting who leads the state.

Sources within the party say the idea of Seyi Tinubu running has created division, with some viewing it as a dangerous step toward political dynasty rather than democracy.

A party source from Oshodi-Isolo described the situation as “political arrogance.”

“It would feel like dictatorship, not democracy. We risk alienating the electorate,” the source warned, pointing out that Lagos is a politically aware and economically complex state that requires proven leadership.

Critics argue that Seyi has no political experience. They point out that his most notable role so far is running Loatsad Promomedia Ltd, an outdoor advertising company. Some in the party believe that running Lagos, a state of over 20 million people, is too big a task for someone without a public office record.

However, others strongly support him.

Laken Agbaje, an APC chieftain from Alimosho, defended the possibility of a Seyi candidacy.

“Seyi is a constitutional Nigerian with political rights. If the people want him and the party clears him, why not?” he said.

Agbaje referenced examples from abroad, like the Marcos family in the Philippines and the Bush family in the United States, as well as local political families like the Sarakis in Kwara State, to justify the move.

Seyi Tinubu has also reportedly begun placing his loyalists in strategic positions ahead of the upcoming local government elections, a move that has raised eyebrows among Lagos residents. Some have accused him of “undue interference” in the political process.

Some warn that choosing Seyi as the APC’s candidate could stir more resentment among voters, especially if the move is seen as favouritism rather than merit-based.

Beyond the issue of experience, there is also the issue of zoning. Lagos is divided into five regions known as IBILE — Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe. Since 1999, most governors have come from Lagos Island or Epe, leaving areas like Ikorodu and Badagry without representation.

Many APC members now insist it’s time for the governorship to rotate to these underrepresented areas.

Meanwhile, a growing faction within the party is quietly backing Babajimi Benson, the representative of Ikorodu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, as the next possible governor.

Despite all the discussions, Seyi’s silence and that of his father is only adding to the confusion.

“The GAC and APC stakeholders are increasingly worried over Tinubu’s silence on the growing calls for his son’s governorship bid. The lack of clarity is creating a sense of uncertainty within the party and many of us are unsure how to proceed without guidance from the president himself,” another senior party member revealed.

It should be recalled that President Tinubu lost Lagos State to Peter Obi of the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential election, a loss many believe shows that the ruling party’s grip on the state is weakening.