Tensions are rising within the Lagos chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its powerful Governance Advisory Council (GAC) over the rumoured ambitions of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to run for governor of Lagos State in 2027.
At 39, Seyi has gained support from youth groups and Nigerians abroad, who consider him the ideal candidate for the position.
Endorsements from organizations like the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and The Future Platform have fueled speculation about his potential candidacy.
Though Seyi has not officially announced his intentions, behind-the-scenes efforts to secure his nomination are reportedly already underway.
Should Seyi run and win, he would become the youngest governor in the history of Lagos, surpassing Babatunde Fashola, who was 43 when he took office in 2007.
However, his candidacy has sparked controversy within the APC, with key figures in the party expressing concerns about his lack of political experience.
His only notable role so far is as CEO of an outdoor advertising company, Loatsad Promomedia Ltd.
Despite his lack of experience in public office, some APC members argue that Seyi’s youth and digital-savvy appeal could resonate with voters.
Others, however, worry that his nomination could be seen as political favoritism, especially given his father’s high position in the country’s leadership.
These critics fear that nominating Seyi might alienate voters and damage the APC’s standing in Lagos.
The GAC, which has been a major force in Lagos politics since its formation in 1999 by President Tinubu, is reportedly divided over the issue.
The group, which includes former governors, senators, and elder statesmen, has historically been influential in determining who runs for office in the state.
However, with the potential for a dynastic succession of power, the prospect of Seyi’s candidacy is causing unease among some members, especially in the context of the party’s future direction.
Some supporters of Seyi argue that political dynasties are not unusual, citing examples like the Marcos family in the Philippines and the Bush family in the United States, where family members have held political power at different levels.
They also note that Seyi has a considerable following among young and tech-savvy voters.
In response to the growing push for his candidacy, sources say Seyi is positioning his allies to run for key positions in Lagos’s upcoming local government elections.
This move has raised concerns about potential interference in the electoral process.
The issue of zoning, which refers to the rotation of the governorship position among different districts in Lagos, has also come up.
Many party members feel that it is time for the governorship seat to rotate to other districts, such as Ikorodu or Badagry, which have not produced a governor in recent history.
Although Seyi has not yet made a formal announcement, party insiders are already divided over how to approach the situation.
Some factions within the APC are quietly backing Babajimi Benson, the member of the House of Representatives from Ikorodu, as the next gubernatorial candidate.
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