Seyi is capable of becoming President, says Emeka Obasi

Recalling the words of General Muhammadu Buhari, who once said, 'I belong to nobody, I belong to everybody', I am reminded of my own experiences, having been associated with politicians, including my father, who was a member of the Nigerian Peoples Party in the Second Republic and rose to become Local Government Chairman under Dee Sam Mbakwe.

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In 2015, Buhari's statement resonated with many, and I have come to appreciate the significance of such a stance, particularly in the context of Nigerian politics, where I have watched Seyi Tinubu, the heir of President Bola Tinubu, with great interest.

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What strikes me about Seyi is his genuine interest in his father's efforts to bring about positive change in Nigeria, rather than merely seeking personal gain from contractors and job seekers, and his ability to build bridges through his relationships and associations.

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Seyi's approach has earned him a unique position, where his name and charisma can open doors and win over supporters for his father, and I firmly believe that he has the potential to be a great politician in his own right.

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In my opinion, Seyi Tinubu has the qualities necessary to become the Governor of Lagos State, starting from May 2027, and by 2039, he will be more than ready to take on the role of President, a prospect that may seem unexpected to some, but is, in my view, a likely outcome.

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The efforts currently focused on utilizing the City Boys Movement to support President Tinubu's presidential campaign could be more productively directed towards securing Seyi's gubernatorial bid in Lagos come 2027, an unorthodox strategy that may just prove successful.

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President Tinubu's reputation as a shrewd and powerful politician is well-deserved, having demonstrated his ability to wield influence without coercion, earning him a level of respect that is unparalleled in Nigerian politics.

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Those who claim that Asiwaju's success is due to his wealth and ability to buy support should reevaluate their stance, as his strength lies in his character and leadership, evident in his unwavering commitment to his principles, even in the face of opposition.

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When Hurricane Obasanjo swept through the South-West in 2003, President Tinubu, then the Lagos State governor, stood firm, unshakeable in his resolve, much like Olumo Rock, a testament to his unyielding spirit.

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I have drawn inspiration from the lives of great leaders, including Nelson Mandela, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Vladimir Lenin, each of whom left an indelible mark on their respective nations, and I see parallels between their trajectories and that of President Tinubu.

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Mandela's presidency, which spanned from 1994 to 1999, was marked by his decision to serve only one term, a choice that has drawn admiration, and it is noteworthy that his 27 years in prison coincide with the duration of President Tinubu's involvement in Nigerian politics and Seyi's apprenticeship under his father.

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Kennedy's presidency, though cut short by his assassination on November 27, 1963, was marked by his courage and resilience, as evident in his survival of the PT-109 incident in 1943, during World War Two, a testament to his unwavering resolve.

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Lenin, who served as president of the Soviet Union from 1922 to 1924, endured persecution and imprisonment in Siberia, yet his legacy endures, a reminder that true leadership is not measured by the length of time in power, but by the impact one has on the people.

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President Tinubu's path to Aso Villa was not without its challenges, having been forced into exile between 1994 and 1998 due to his association with the National Democratic Coalition, a experience that has likely shaped his perspective and informed his decisions.

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Given his remarkable journey, I believe that President Tinubu should consider stepping down in 2027, allowing him to focus on grooming Seyi for higher office, a move that would be a fitting culmination of his own career, especially considering the honor bestowed upon him by King Charles.

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Those who argue that Seyi is too young or inexperienced to assume the governorship in 2027 may be motivated by ulterior motives, as history has shown that youth and inexperience are not necessarily barriers to success, with examples such as Mobolaji Johnson, who became governor of Lagos State at the age of 31.

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Seyi, who will be 41 in October 2026, has spent 27 years learning from his father and has established himself as an entrepreneur, managing Loatsad Promomedia, making him an ideal candidate to take on the role of governor, and any suggestion that he should wait until 2031 seems unjustified.

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President Tinubu has empowered numerous individuals throughout his career, and it is now time for him to focus on promoting his own son, a move that would be in line with the examples set by other prominent politicians, such as Segun Osoba and Lam Adesina, who have supported their children's political aspirations.

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The fact that Seyi shares the same birth month as Uhuru Kenyatta, who followed in his father's footsteps to become president of Kenya, is a fascinating coincidence, and I firmly believe that Seyi is ready to take on the challenge of governorship, having spent years learning from the 'Governor General of Nigerian Politics'.

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In my view, the most honorable course of action for President Tinubu would be to support a candidate from the South-East to succeed him in 2027, while Seyi takes on the role of governor in Lagos, a decision that would demonstrate his commitment to fairness and national unity, paving the way for Seyi's future presidential ambitions.

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By 2031, a Northerner will likely assume the presidency, holding office until 2039, at which point the path will be clear for Seyi to contest the presidential election, a prospect that would be a testament to the fairness and justice of the political system, and a fitting tribute to President Tinubu's legacy.

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Ultimately, the decision to support Seyi's gubernatorial bid and promote a candidate from the South-East for the presidency would cement President Tinubu's status as a true national hero, a kingmaker, and a liberator, whose impact on Nigerian politics will be felt for generations to come.