Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has said that the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, is fully qualified to run for any political office in Nigeria, including the governorship of Lagos State or even the presidency.
Speaking during an interview on The Clarity Zone podcast, which was posted on YouTube on Wednesday, Bwala dismissed the widespread perception that Seyi’s political activities are simply an extension of his father’s influence. He argued that Seyi has built a reputation of his own as a bridge-builder and leader among Nigerian youths.
“If Seyi Tinubu’s father is the president, what exactly stops him from contesting the governorship of Lagos? Seyi Tinubu can even challenge his father in the next election if he chooses to,” Bwala said, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy allows all qualified citizens the right to participate.
Bwala described Seyi as humble and unassuming despite his privileged background as the son of a former Lagos governor who now serves as Nigeria’s president. According to him, Seyi has maintained meaningful friendships over the years and has played an active role in helping young people gain access to opportunities within government. This, he said, is evidence that the younger Tinubu’s political reach goes beyond party affiliations.
“At one point, people criticised him for the individuals he introduced into government because many of them were Obedient supporters of Peter Obi. That alone shows you that he is not biased,” Bwala explained.
The presidential aide further noted that Seyi Tinubu stands out from the children of past Nigerian leaders, many of whom were linked to scandals or public controversies. In contrast, he said, Seyi has avoided misconduct, chosen not to engage in online conflicts, and instead focused on building relationships.
“You will never see him attacking people on social media, even though his father has been one of the most vilified politicians in recent memory. Rather, he has cultivated relationships, including with critics of this administration,” Bwala said.
He also shared personal experiences to buttress his point. Bwala, who has on several occasions publicly criticised the Tinubu government, revealed that such criticisms never strained his relationship with Seyi. He said this ability to separate personal ties from politics demonstrates Seyi’s level of maturity.
Bwala urged Nigerians to judge Seyi Tinubu based on direct interactions rather than inherited opinions or second-hand narratives. Too often, he said, people form negative views of others based on the perceptions of third parties.
“Until you experience someone yourself, you should not form a rigid opinion. Too many Nigerians carry other people’s grudges without any personal encounter,” he advised.
In defending Seyi, Bwala painted the image of a young leader who has built credibility among youths, nurtured friendships across political divides, and remained scandal-free despite being in the public eye. He concluded that Seyi Tinubu, like any other Nigerian, is constitutionally entitled to seek any political office, including challenging his father if he chooses.
