Lauretta Onochie, former Special Assistant on Social Media to President Muhammadu Buhari, has outlined reasons why Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, is eligible to contest the 2027 governorship election in Lagos State.
Seyi has been linked to the state’s highest office, with calls for his candidacy intensifying following the impeachment of Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker Mudashir Obasa on Monday, January 13, 2025.
While many support Seyi Tinubu's potential candidacy, others have raised concerns about father and son simultaneously leading Nigeria and its economic hub.
Reacting to the debate, Onochie defended Seyi Tinubu’s right to have political aspirations and to be voted for, emphasizing that Nigerian law does not disqualify individuals based on their parents’ positions.
In a tweet on Wednesday, the former presidential aide urged Nigerians to rely on legal principles when discussing Lagos State's succession plans.
She wrote: “To become a Governor in Nigeria, the law does not exclude those whose parents were governors or Presidents. Let us be guided by the law when we argue about Lagos State succession. We cannot have one set of laws for Nigeria and another for Lagos.”
To support her position, Onochie highlighted the legal requirements that governorship aspirants must meet.
She also shared a photo featuring potential 2027 governorship aspirants, including the state’s Deputy Governor, Babafemi Hamzat; President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the impeached Speaker, Mudashir Obasa; former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; Senator Tokunbo Abiru; and Seyi Tinubu.
LET US BE GUIDED BY THE LAW.
— Lauretta Onochie (@Laurestar) January 14, 2025
To become a Governor in Nigeria, the law does not exclude those whose parents were governors or Presidents. Let us be guided by the law when we argue about Lagos State succession. We cannot have a set of laws for Nigeria and a different set for Lagos.… pic.twitter.com/XAhkneXLcR
