The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has expressed confidence in Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential governor for Lagos State. Olawande emphasized that Seyi is both qualified and not too young to lead the state, citing his leadership qualities and contributions to youth development.
In an interview with Seun Okinbaloye, the minister described Seyi as his leader and mentor, praising his ability to inspire and elevate young Nigerians even before his father assumed the presidency. “He is not too young to become a governor, that’s the truth. Everybody has the tendency to become whatever it is you want to become. He is a well-trained young man that has built a lot of young people, massive young people even when his father was not the president,” Olawande remarked.
The minister further highlighted Seyi Tinubu’s dedication to creating opportunities for Nigerian youth, stating that he is actively involved in initiatives to improve their lives. “As the President’s son, he is not away in the United States or somewhere else enjoying himself, but he is there doing the work himself and wants to see how things can go well for the young people of this country,” Olawande added.
This endorsement follows the November 2024 announcement by the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), which backed Seyi Tinubu as a successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, Olawande clarified that Seyi has no involvement in the campaigns or endorsements advocating for his governorship aspirations. “Seyi is not the one engineering the campaign to become the next governor of Lagos State,” the minister asserted.
The potential candidacy of Seyi Tinubu has sparked conversations among Lagosians and political stakeholders about youth leadership and the future of governance in the state. As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over his qualifications and readiness to lead will likely intensify.