Lagos Council Election:
Ahead of the July 12, 2025 Local Government elections, concerned residents of Lagos State have raised alarms over what they describe as the “undue interference” of President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in the electoral process.
Leaders within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have also expressed concerns that Seyi’s actions, if unchecked, could cost the party not only the upcoming elections but also jeopardize its prospects in the crucial 2027 general elections.
Segun Odion, a resident of Agege, alleged that Seyi Tinubu is orchestrating the installation of loyalists across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State, sidelining popular and more competent aspirants.
“I can tell you that Seyi has standby ‘candidates’ across the local governments. This is aimed at creating a soft landing when he is ready to contest for the governorship seat in Lagos. He has started spending money that others who have waited patiently for years cannot match,” Odion stated.
Residents pointed to the alleged ratification of Speaker Mudashiru Obasa’s son as Chairman of Agege Local Government as an example of Seyi’s influence. Many lamented that those being pushed into power lack the experience necessary for effective grassroots governance.
Further investigations by SaharaReporters revealed that a similar scenario played out during the 2021 local government elections, where candidates allegedly backed by Seyi Tinubu replaced originally selected aspirants. Some winners had not even purchased nomination forms or participated in the screening process.
The imposition trend reportedly saw the current Kosofe Local Government Chairman, Moyo Ogunlewe, a former PDP member, installed through Seyi’s influence despite grassroots opposition.
Sources also disclosed that six current members of the Lagos State House of Assembly were Seyi’s candidates during the last general elections and are now working to solidify his grip on the councils.
A top APC chieftain voiced strong opposition:
“We cannot be serving the father and the son at the same time. His actions are inimical to the growth of the third tier of government in Lagos, and if not checked, it will damage the APC beyond repair.”
Another APC executive noted:
” From the last presidential election, we saw the opposition gaining ground. If this imposition continues, Lagosians will resist it at the polls. We must protect democracy at the grassroots.”
As the July council polls approach, tension is rising in Lagos, with many residents and party insiders determined to push back against what they describe as the growing political dynasty being orchestrated by the Tinubu family.
