Lagos APC Faces Internal Tensions Over Seyi Tinubu’s Rumoured Governorship Ambition

Rumours surrounding the possible 2027 governorship bid of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are reportedly causing unease within the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its influential Governance Advisory Council (GAC). At 39, Seyi is being touted by youth and diaspora groups as a potential candidate to lead Nigeria’s most economically vital state, with endorsements coming from organisations such as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders and The Future Platform. Despite no formal declaration, political insiders suggest lobbying for his candidacy is already underway behind the scenes.

Should he run and win, Seyi Tinubu would become the youngest governor in Lagos history, surpassing Babatunde Fashola who took office at 43 in 2007. However, his emergence is proving divisive within the party. The GAC, a powerful 30-member body established by President Tinubu during his tenure as governor, is reportedly split on the matter. The council, which includes former governors, senators, and senior political figures, has long played a decisive role in determining political leadership in Lagos, backing past governors including Fashola, Akinwunmi Ambode, and the incumbent Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Seyi’s rumoured candidacy has sparked broader debates about political dynasty and merit. Critics question his lack of public office experience, noting his primary known role as CEO of an advertising firm. Concerns have been raised about whether youthful energy alone can address the complex needs of a megacity like Lagos. One senior party member described the potential candidacy as “political arrogance,” warning it could damage the party’s democratic image and alienate voters, especially with President Tinubu expected to seek re-election in 2027.

Supporters, however, counter that political dynasties are not unprecedented, citing global and local examples such as the Marcos family in the Philippines, the Bush family in the United States, and the Sarakis in Kwara State. Proponents argue that Seyi enjoys strong support among Lagos youth and digital-savvy voters, and insist he has every constitutional right to run if endorsed by the party and accepted by the electorate.

Sources also suggest that Seyi is positioning his loyalists to contest key roles in the upcoming local government elections, a move that has triggered concerns about undue influence in the political process. The memory of President Tinubu’s loss to Peter Obi in Lagos during the 2023 presidential election still looms large, and many within the APC fear that pushing forward a family member for governor could further erode support in the state.

Beyond the issue of dynasty and competence, questions of fairness and zoning have also taken centre stage. Since Lagos State was created, governors have predominantly hailed from Lagos Island and Epe, leaving districts like Ikorodu, Badagry, and Ikeja without gubernatorial representation. As a result, calls for power rotation are gaining momentum, with many advocating for the next governor to come from one of these underrepresented areas, particularly Ikorodu or Badagry.

In a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Epe, Seyi Tinubu’s potential bid was briefly discussed but set aside due to his lack of official declaration. Meanwhile, a faction within the party is said to be quietly backing Babajimi Benson, the House of Representatives member from Ikorodu, as a more broadly acceptable candidate. A senior party figure revealed that the ongoing silence from President Tinubu on the matter is creating uncertainty, with members unsure how to proceed without a clear signal from the party’s most influential figure.