Bwala: Seyi Tinubu Has the Right to Contest Presidency Against His Father

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said that the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, is qualified to contest for any political office in Nigeria, including the governorship of Lagos State.

Speaking in an interview on The Clarity Zone podcast uploaded on YouTube on Wednesday, Bwala dismissed claims that Seyi’s political involvement is solely tied to his father’s influence. He maintained that Seyi has built a reputation as a bridge-builder among young people.

“If Seyi Tinubu’s father is the president, what stops him from running for Lagos State governor? Seyi Tinubu can even challenge his father in the next election,” Bwala said.

He described Seyi as humble and unassuming despite his privileged background, noting that he has maintained strong relationships and assisted many young Nigerians in securing opportunities in government, even across party lines.

“At a point, he was even criticised for the people he brought into government, who were mostly Obidients. That tells you he doesn’t have biases,” Bwala explained.

The presidential aide also recalled occasions where he openly criticised the Tinubu administration without it straining his relationship with Seyi, adding that the younger Tinubu has shown maturity in separating personal relationships from politics.

He further pointed out that, unlike many children of past Nigerian leaders, Seyi has not been linked to scandals or public controversies.

“You will never see him attacking people on social media, even though his father is one of the most vilified in recent memory. He has built relationships even with critics of this government,” Bwala added.

According to him, Nigerians should judge Seyi based on personal encounters rather than assumptions or inherited perceptions.

“Until you experience somebody, don’t have an opinion of them. Too many people inherit other people’s problems without any personal encounter,” he said.