Tension is rising within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its influential decision-making body, the Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), over speculations surrounding Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his alleged ambition to contest the governorship seat of Lagos in the future.

The rumoured political ambition of Seyi Tinubu, a prominent businessman and media entrepreneur, has sparked a wave of unease within the party ranks, particularly among loyalists and political stakeholders who have spent decades navigating the intricate structures of Lagos politics. Though no official declaration has been made by Seyi himself, whispers of a carefully orchestrated plan for him to eventually become the Governor of Lagos State have unsettled some members of the ruling party.

Sources within the APC and GAC confirm that internal conversations regarding the possibility of Seyi Tinubu’s political ascent are ongoing, with mixed reactions from key players. While a faction within the party sees the idea as a continuation of the Tinubu political dynasty, others view it as an affront to the legacy of collective struggle and merit-based advancement within the Lagos political ecosystem.

Resistance From Party Elders

Several APC chieftains, particularly those within the Governor’s Advisory Council — a group of political elders that help shape the party’s direction in Lagos — have reportedly expressed discomfort with the idea of Seyi Tinubu emerging as a potential gubernatorial candidate.

According to insiders, the GAC believes that such a move would further fuel public perception of nepotism and raise concerns about the concentration of power within one political family. A prominent GAC member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the rumour as “a sensitive and potentially damaging distraction” from the party’s priorities ahead of the next election cycle.

“There are many loyal party members who have served the system diligently for decades. If the party begins to promote political inheritance instead of rewarding competence and loyalty, it will alienate the very foundation on which the APC was built in Lagos,” the source stated.

Party Members Caught in the Crossfire

At the grassroots level, reactions have also been mixed. While some party loyalists view the potential of a Seyi Tinubu candidacy as a natural evolution of the Tinubu legacy, others argue that it sends the wrong message about inclusivity and internal democracy within the APC.

“You cannot be preaching democratic values and at the same time pushing for family succession in a state like Lagos where we have thousands of qualified and experienced politicians who have laboured for the party,” said a ward leader from the Lagos Mainland area.

Political observers believe that if not carefully managed, the rumour could create significant divisions within the party structure, especially among long-serving loyalists who feel sidelined.

Silence From the Presidency

So far, neither Seyi Tinubu nor any official from the presidency has publicly commented on the matter, which continues to swirl across social media platforms and political circles. The younger Tinubu has maintained a relatively low political profile despite his proximity to power and involvement in civic and media-related initiatives.

However, his visibility in recent times—accompanying his father on official engagements and participating in key events—has only fueled the perception that he may be preparing for a more prominent political role.

Political analysts argue that while Seyi has every constitutional right to pursue any political office, the timing and optics of such a move could be politically damaging both to the APC and to President Tinubu’s legacy.

APC Strategists Seek to Manage Fallout

In an apparent bid to calm tensions, senior figures within the Lagos APC are said to be working behind the scenes to douse speculation and reassert the party’s commitment to internal democracy and merit-based political progression.

A high-ranking APC official disclosed that discussions are underway to ensure that no individual or interest group hijacks the party’s internal processes for personal or familial gain.

“We understand the sensitivity of the matter and we are doing everything to ensure that the party remains united. What matters most to us is the stability of Lagos and the credibility of our candidates in 2027 and beyond,” the official noted.

There are also concerns that the opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party and the PDP, may capitalize on the internal discord within the APC to gain political ground in the state. The 2023 elections already saw significant inroads made by opposition candidates in Lagos, and party leaders are wary of any move that could further weaken their grip on the state.

Public Reactions Reflect Broader Sentiment

Outside of the party structure, many Lagosians have weighed in on the debate. Critics on social media have described the idea of a Seyi Tinubu governorship as a “dangerous precedent” that could entrench dynastic politics in a state that prides itself on innovation and excellence.

A civil society advocate, reacting on a current affairs programme, stated, “Lagos is not a family estate. It belongs to over 20 million people of diverse backgrounds. The idea that leadership should rotate within a single family undermines democratic values and insults the intelligence of Lagosians.”

Others, however, have pointed to Seyi Tinubu’s business acumen and philanthropic efforts as indications of leadership potential, arguing that he should not be denied a chance to lead simply because of his last name.

Looking Ahead

With the next Lagos gubernatorial election still some years away, it remains to be seen whether Seyi Tinubu will officially throw his hat into the political ring. For now, the APC leadership faces the delicate task of managing both internal tensions and public perception.

As rumours continue to swirl, one thing is certain: the future of Lagos politics may well be shaped by how the APC navigates this unfolding controversy. Whether Seyi Tinubu decides to run or not, the conversation around political dynasties, meritocracy, and internal party democracy will remain central to the state’s political discourse in the years to come.