Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has sparked a wave of mixed reactions across social media and political circles after receiving the endorsement of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) for the Lagos State governorship race in the 2027 elections.
The CONYL, an umbrella body representing youth groups from all six geopolitical zones of Nigeria, officially endorsed Seyi Tinubu on Tuesday, citing his integrity, transparency, and zeal to serve his people. The endorsement was announced following an enlarged meeting of the coalition’s leaders, with a statement issued by Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the President-General of CONYL, and other members of the body.
In a subsequent statement on Thursday, Comrade Ibem emphasized that Seyi Tinubu is driven by a desire to make a positive impact. “Seyi is a man of integrity, transparency, and accountability. His zeal to become a blessing to his people makes him the ideal candidate,” he said.
However, the endorsement has been met with resistance from various groups, especially from Lagosian youth organizations. The Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths issued a statement rejecting the endorsement, asserting that the governorship seat of Lagos State should only be occupied by an indigene of the state. “While Mr. Seyi Tinubu has his democratic rights as a Nigerian, we condemn this endorsement as anti-democratic and a deliberate attempt to deny the indigenes of Lagos their right to govern themselves,” the group said.
Some social media users also voiced their discontent with the endorsement. A user on X (formerly Twitter), @notesbylawal, described the endorsement as a “dead ambition,” calling it a mere distraction. “This Seyi Tinubu saga is a dead ambition, and if they attempt it, it is the end of whatever mafia is holding Lagos,” he wrote.
Another user, @MichaelEmiabata, suggested that Seyi Tinubu should consider running for governor in Osun or Imo States instead, as Lagos youths were not interested in his candidacy. “My advice is that since Seyi’s father is from Osun State, he should pursue his governorship ambition in Osun or Imo, where they are clamoring for him,” he stated.
On the other hand, some supporters of the endorsement have rallied behind Seyi Tinubu’s political aspirations. @ChiefOses tweeted in support, drawing parallels with American politics, where two father-son pairs—John Adams and George Bush—served as U.S. Presidents. “America has had two sets of father-son presidents. Seyi has my full support,” he wrote.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, it remains to be seen how Seyi Tinubu’s potential candidacy will be received by Lagosians, with the debate over his eligibility and the implications of dynastic politics continuing to dominate discourse.
