LAGOS, Nigeria — Daniel Bwala, special adviser on policy communication to President Bola Tinubu, has defended the political rights of the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, insisting that his family ties should not disqualify him from seeking public office.
Speaking on The Clarity Zone Podcast, Bwala addressed growing speculation that Seyi Tinubu may be positioning himself for the Lagos governorship in 2027.
The presidential aide rejected claims that the younger Tinubu’s charity work is tied to political ambitions and argued that public criticism of him was unfair.
“I have known the children of presidents in Nigeria. He (Seyi) is unassuming. Check his friends, the childhood friends, and people he grew up with,” Bwala said.
“He has not changed the community or friends because he has greatness so to speak.”
Rumours of a political bid have gained traction in recent months as Seyi Tinubu has been increasingly visible in community projects and welfare initiatives.
Critics have suggested that these activities are intended to pave the way for a gubernatorial campaign.
Bwala dismissed such assumptions, stressing that Seyi’s involvement in charitable causes predated his father’s presidency.
“For political reasons, some people assume that the way he is doing a lot of welfare, which he did not start yesterday, that he wants to become governor,” he said.
“I asked: ‘Is he not qualified to be a governor?’
They said: ‘no, because his father is a president.’”
The adviser went further to argue that Seyi Tinubu not only has the right to contest for governor but could also, in principle, challenge his father in a presidential election.
“He has not said he is running but I’m just saying you don’t gaslight or blackmail someone.
I said: ‘even if his father is a president, what stops him from running as a governor? He can even challenge his father in the election as a president.’”
Seyi Tinubu, a lawyer and entrepreneur, has not publicly declared any intention to enter politics.
However, discussions about succession politics and dynastic influence remain a dominant theme in Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly as the 2027 elections approach.
For now, speculation continues, while Seyi Tinubu himself has yet to make a definitive statement about whether he will seek elective office.
