By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Mallam Adamu Muhammad Nababa, pioneer Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS), has said it would be inappropriate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to allow his son, Seyi Tinubu, to contest the Lagos State governorship in 2027.
He urged the president to learn from the mistakes made by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Jigawa State, warning that a similar move could trigger unrest within the All Progressives Congress (APC). He pointed to murmurs within the Lagos State House of Assembly as a sign of potential discord.
Nababa noted that Seyi’s ambition would not strengthen the President’s second-term prospects, and urged politicians to avoid dragging their children into the political arena prematurely.
While clarifying that President Tinubu may not have personally instructed his son to show interest in the governorship, Nababa described as “odd” the visible support Seyi appears to be receiving from party loyalists.
Speaking to The Guardian from his Mariri residence in Kano, the retired civil servant cited similar developments in his home state, where the son of a former governor currently serves as a commissioner. He warned that such actions give the impression of political dynasty-building.
“In Kano, we have a former governor’s son now serving as a commissioner. People are keeping records. These things don’t just disappear. You cannot stop people from thinking you’re building a dynasty,” he said.
According to Nababa, political grooming is essential. “Politics, like anything else, requires training. You groom someone. Allow the person to start from somewhere, learn the ropes,” he said.
He also referenced the situation in Jigawa, where the PDP was weakened after former Governor Sule Lamido supported his son’s bid for governorship. Nababa observed that although Lamido still holds political influence, his decision alienated many key party figures.
He said: “Strong politicians left the party out of frustration. Lamido could have backed a more experienced PDP member instead of his son.”
Commenting on Lamido’s recent criticism of Seyi Tinubu’s Ramadan outreach to northern communities, Nababa said Lamido was not in a position to speak on such matters.
“At least, President Tinubu has not declared his son’s candidacy. But here was someone who allowed his son to contest, criticising another person.”
He concluded that while there is nothing wrong with the children of politicians showing interest in politics, they should be allowed to grow into the process organically, building relationships and experience over time.