The Lagos State chapter of the Action Democratic Congress has declared that it is not preoccupied with speculation surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s potential governorship ambitions, stating that the party remains focused on selecting its own candidate based on democratic principles rather than political lineage.
ADC Lagos chairman George Ashiru made this position clear while responding to recent rumors about the president’s son possibly contesting the Lagos State governorship election. The speculation gained momentum after comments from Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, who defended Seyi Tinubu’s qualification to seek any political office in Nigeria.
Bwala had argued that presidential lineage should not disqualify anyone from political participation, stating that Seyi Tinubu could legitimately run for Lagos State governor or even challenge his father in future elections. His comments appeared to validate the constitutional right of the president’s son to pursue electoral office despite potential concerns about political dynasties.
However, Ashiru indicated that the ADC has been too occupied with its internal party affairs to closely monitor the ruling All Progressives Congress’s candidate selection processes. He emphasized that whatever decisions the APC makes regarding its potential nominees remains their internal business and does not directly concern the opposition party.
The ADC chairman outlined his party’s alternative approach to candidate selection, emphasizing merit and democratic legitimacy over inherited political advantage. Ashiru stressed that the party would focus on presenting a candidate chosen through democratic processes within the party structure rather than one benefiting from family political connections.
According to Ashiru, the ADC’s selection criteria prioritize finding a representative whom Lagos residents can genuinely associate with as someone who understands and advocates for their interests. This approach, he suggested, contrasts with candidate selection based on inherited political status or family name recognition.
The opposition party leader expressed confidence in the ADC’s ability to offer Lagos voters what he termed a credible alternative to the ruling party’s eventual nominee. He indicated that the party’s candidate would emerge through internal democratic procedures designed to identify the most qualified and representative option available.
Ashiru’s remarks reflect broader debates within Nigerian politics about the role of political dynasties and inherited political advantage. The potential candidacy of Seyi Tinubu has raised questions about whether family connections should influence electoral prospects in a democratic system.
The ADC’s position appears designed to differentiate the party from what it characterizes as politics based on lineage and inheritance. By emphasizing democratic selection processes and merit-based criteria, the party is positioning itself as offering voters a choice based on qualifications rather than family connections.
The discussion around Seyi Tinubu’s political ambitions occurs against the backdrop of Lagos State’s political significance as Nigeria’s commercial capital and most populous state. The governorship position carries substantial influence over economic policy and urban development affecting millions of residents.
While speculation about potential candidates continues, the ADC’s stance suggests that opposition parties may seek to frame the eventual election as a choice between inherited political privilege and democratic representation. This narrative could influence how voters perceive different candidates and their qualifications for office.
The party’s emphasis on finding a candidate who represents ordinary Lagos residents may appeal to voters seeking alternatives to established political dynasties, though the effectiveness of this approach will ultimately depend on the quality of candidates presented and their ability to connect with the electorate.
