“Seyi Tinubu Can Even Challenge His Father for President” – Bwala

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said Seyi Tinubu is qualified to contest for any political office in Nigeria, including the presidency.

Speaking on The Clarity Zone podcast released on YouTube on Wednesday, Bwala dismissed claims that Seyi’s political relevance stems solely from his father’s influence. He described him as a bridge-builder among young Nigerians and someone who has cultivated a reputation beyond his family name.

“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.

The presidential aide praised Seyi as humble and unassuming despite his privileged background as the son of a former Lagos governor and now Nigeria’s president. He noted that Seyi has maintained lasting friendships and supported young people to secure opportunities in government, often across party lines. According to him, Seyi was once criticised for bringing “Obidients” into government roles, which he said underscored his lack of bias.

Bwala recalled moments when he openly criticised the Tinubu administration without damaging his relationship with Seyi, describing him as mature enough to separate personal ties from politics. He contrasted Seyi with the children of some past Nigerian leaders, insisting that he has avoided scandals and 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 said.

He urged Nigerians to judge Seyi on personal experience rather than assumptions. “Until you experience somebody, don’t have an opinion of them. Too many people inherit other people’s problems without any personal encounter,” he added.