By Dansu Peter Seyi Tinubu The President-General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), Goodluck Ibem, has downplayed critic...
By Dansu Peter
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| Seyi Tinubu |
The President-General of the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL), Goodluck Ibem, has downplayed criticism over reports that Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, may contest for the Lagos State governorship in 2027. Ibem argued that such a move is neither unusual nor inappropriate, citing similar precedents in the United States, whose system of government Nigeria mirrors.
Speaking at a press conference in Owerri on Tuesday, Ibem dismissed the backlash from the opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) and expressed confidence that Seyi Tinubu could garner support even across party lines.
“It is no big deal for Seyi Tinubu to vie for the governorship of Lagos State. Such precedents exist in the United States of America, from where we borrowed our system of governance,” he said.
Ibem referenced the Bush family as an example, saying:
“Prescott S. Bush, father of President George H.W. Bush, was elected a senator from Connecticut from 1952 to 1963. George H.W. Bush served as the 41st U.S. President, while his son, George W. Bush, was both a two-term governor of Texas and later a two-term U.S. President. Another son, Jeb Bush, served as the Governor of Florida.”
He continued by addressing critics, particularly Lagos PDP spokesperson Hakeem Amode, emphasizing that leadership should be based on merit and capacity.
“Governance and leadership are about capability, not gifts. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has never been handed political power; he earned it through hard work and the qualities the people see in him. The same applies to Seyi Tinubu, who is capable and qualified to lead Lagos State,” Ibem stated.
Ibem urged Lagosians to dismiss criticisms of Seyi Tinubu's potential bid, noting the enduring popularity of the Tinubu family in Lagos politics.
“The people of Lagos have consistently supported President Tinubu since 1999, rejecting the PDP even when it controlled the federal government. This proves that Lagosians value true democracy over imposed leadership,” he said.
He further praised Bola Tinubu’s political career as an example of selfless service and transformational leadership.
“President Tinubu has always prioritized the people’s interests over personal or family gains. In 2015, he even relinquished his vice-presidential ambition to support Professor Yemi Osinbajo. He has uplifted many individuals to prominent political positions without seeking anything in return, exemplifying true leadership,” Ibem added.
Concluding his remarks, Ibem called on all Nigerians to support Seyi Tinubu, describing him as “eminently qualified” to lead Lagos State as governor in 2027.
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