Seyi Tinubu for Lagos Governor, by Casmir Igbokwe

I had a good laugh when I read the submission of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, on the reported governorship ambition of Mr. Seyi Tinubu. According to Igbokwe, Tinubu is not fit to be Lagos governor because “ruling Lagos is not the job of boys.” He described the clamour for Seyi as a distraction and an attempt to pull his father, President Bola Tinubu, down. Joe Igbokwe is a known acolyte and supporter of Tinubu. Coming publicly to denounce the endorsement of the younger Tinubu to be governor indicates, rightly or wrongly, that he is either pursuing something or something is pursuing him.

Nevertheless, a group known as the Coalition of Lagos Indigenous Youths also asked Seyi to perish the thought of becoming governor of Lagos. Warning that there was no vacancy for a non-indigene in Alausa, the Lagos seat of power, the group condemned what they called the ill-fated endorsement, describing it as anti-democracy and a deliberate move to deny indigenes of Lagos the right to govern themselves in 2027.

Seyi has not openly indicated interest to be governor of Lagos State. But there is a group called Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL). It is said to be an umbrella body of youth groups drawn across the six geopolitical zones. This group endorsed Seyi in Owerri recently, saying he is a man of integrity, transparency and accountability. Referring to his recent philanthropic activities, the group said, “Seyi Tnubu has affected so many lives positively both here in Nigeria and outside the country and he is not making noise about it, unlike some politicians who publish any little thing done for their fellow human beings.”

The Lagos branch of the Middle Belt youths have also endorsed Seyi. They urged him to continue building on his father’s structure and legacy in Lagos. The group, which addressed a press conference last Thursday at Eko Hotel in Lagos, said, “Who else will the people in Lagos support if Seyi Tinubu accepts to run for the highest office in Lagos State? Seyi knows no tribe, no religion and no gender. He believes in all people irrespective of their tribe and religion. Those of us from the middle belt are mostly at a disadvantage in mix-tribal states such as Lagos. With Seyi Tinubu in the saddle, there is no doubt that our interest will be protected.” This reminds me of the infamous Daniel Kanu-led Youths Earnestly Ask for Abacha (YEAA), which, in 1997, campaigned and pleaded with the then military ruler, Sani Abacha, to run for the presidency of Nigeria and succeed himself.

It is pertinent to note that long before the campaigns for the 2023 presidential election commenced, Bola Tinubu had garnered endorsements from different quarters. Despite strident opposition from many Nigerians, including some of his party men, he emerged triumphant. Not even former President Muhammadu Buhari who was suspected to have had another candidate for the presidency in mind could stop him. Not even the Pyrates Confraternity who denigrated him and composed a song mocking him in 2022 could stop him. Like a bulldozer, he crushed every opposition to snatch and grab power.

Now that he is in power, who is that fellow who can challenge him? He has the executive in his palms. He has captured the legislature such that it approves almost everything he asks for. Recently, the Senate approved his fresh loan request of $2.2billion. This further pushed Nigeria’s total debt to N136 trillion. The judiciary cannot stop him because the largesse the judges have received under this administration is second to none.

His son, Seyi, is a fast learner and may soon step into his shoes. His latter-day philanthropy is well noted. He visited Borno State last September in company with his brother, friends and associates, following the flood that devastated Maiduguri, the state capital. Among others, he made a donation of N500 million, 10,000 pieces of mosquito nets, blankets, mattresses, kettles, wrappers, buckets, mats, sanitary pads and wash kits to the victims. He said the visit was the first step towards contributing to ameliorate the plight of the young people affected by the flood. Some have questioned the source of his wealth and how he was able to donate such a humongous amount of money to charity.

Well, nothing can stop Seyi from becoming governor if he so wishes and his father approves. What his Borno gesture indicates is that he has amassed a war chest to take on any opposition in 2027 if need be. I have not seen any stronger candidate who will challenge him.

Not even the incumbent governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, can stop him. All he can do is to watch the body language of President Tinubu and cooperate accordingly. If he ever shows any atom of dissent, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or the Lagos State House of Assembly will show him their sign language. Recently, there was a story that the governor, through his lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, sued the EFCC for planning to arrest, detain and prosecute him after his tenure as governor. The Lagos State Government denied that story, saying Sanwo-Olu never engaged any lawyer to file such a suit on his behalf. The EFCC also denied investigating or planning to arrest the governor. In a counter-affidavit opposing the suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the anti-graft agency described the suit as speculative and a mere conjecture. The judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, had adjourned until November 26 when the matter last came up on October 29, 2024. All I can say here for now is, there is no smoke without fire.

The fact is that it is the fundamental right of Seyi to aspire to be governor of Lagos State. It does not matter that his father was governor of the state between 1999 and 2007. In any case, dynasties are not strange to Africa and the entire world. Until former President Ali Bongo Ondimba was toppled in August 2023, the Bongo family had ruled the Central African nation of Gabon for 56 years. He succeeded his father, Omar Bongo, in 2009 after he died of cardiac arrest. Omar Bongo became President from 1967, seven years after Gabon gained independence from France, until his death in 2009. Following the death of Gnassingbe Eyadema in 2005, his son, Faure Gnassingbe, succeeded him as President of Togo. Currently, Faure is in his fourth term in office as President. Even before he became President, his father had appointed him Minister of Equipment, Mines, Posts, and Telecommunications. Syria, North Korea, and Equatorial Guinea are some other countries that have dynasties. Even in the United States, John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, as well as George H. W. Bush and his son, George W. Bush, had been Presidents.

Power is sweet. Nobody tastes it and willingly let it go. That is why many African leaders change the constitution of their countries on term limit just to remain in power for life. Paul Biya of Cameroon came to power in 1982. He is old and frail. But today, he is still the President. Also, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Dennis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea have all ruled their countries for over 30 years and still counting.

What usually triggers the rabid quest for power, especially in Africa, is money. The Ali Bongo family was stupendously rich. As early as 2007, the French police discovered that the Bongo family owned 70 bank accounts, 39 properties in France alone and nine luxury cars. Besides, soldiers uncovered bags and suitcases of currencies in the house of the son of Ali Bongo a day after the coup that toppled his father.

From all indications, money is not the problem for Seyi and the Tinubu clan. Without it, Tinubu could not have achieved his ambition to be President. Up until today, his influence in Lagos is huge. Nobody can become governor of Lagos without his endorsement and support. If you doubt, ask the former governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, who tried to flex muscle as governor. He didn’t go for second term. I am already seeing Seyi in Alausa in 2027, all things being equal. The only person who can stop him is his father. But will he do that? The year 2027 is still pregnant. Let’s watch and see what it will bear in due course.