Bola Babarinde, the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in South Africa and General Secretary of Renewed Hope Global, has lauded Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, as an exemplary young man and a source of pride for any parent. Babarinde’s commendation comes in response to what he perceives as an unfair campaign of calumny against Seyi Tinubu, emphasizing that the young man’s active participation in the political landscape deserves support and encouragement rather than criticism. He highlighted Seyi Tinubu’s courage, patriotism, and commitment to youth involvement in politics, positioning him as a role model for Nigerian youth. Babarinde expressed the hope that Seyi Tinubu would consider seeking elective office in the future, arguing that he has already displayed the necessary qualities of passion, resilience, and vision to serve the nation honorably.
Babarinde’s praise for Seyi Tinubu centers on his prominent role in the 2023 presidential elections, where he actively campaigned for his father. He noted that Seyi Tinubu’s involvement broke with a long-standing tradition of children of prominent political figures remaining largely absent from the public political arena. Babarinde contrasted Seyi Tinubu’s engagement with the historical precedent set by the offspring of past political icons like Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and M.K.O. Abiola, as well as more recent leaders like Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and Muhammadu Buhari, whose children maintained a lower public profile. This difference, Babarinde suggests, underscores Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to political engagement and his willingness to step into the public sphere.
Seyi Tinubu’s campaign activities, according to Babarinde, extended beyond simply accompanying his father to rallies. He organized his own events, mobilized Nigerian youths, distributed food supplies, and initiated empowerment programs aimed at increasing voter engagement and political participation. These efforts, Babarinde argues, contributed significantly to the APC’s victory in the 2023 elections and established Seyi Tinubu as a significant political figure in his own right, extending his influence beyond his native Lagos State. This active involvement, Babarinde believes, should be celebrated as a demonstration of commitment to democratic processes, not condemned.
Babarinde further emphasized Seyi Tinubu’s continued support for his father’s administration since the election. He expressed disappointment that instead of receiving accolades for his ongoing engagement, Seyi Tinubu has faced criticism for his continued presence in national and international affairs alongside his father. Babarinde challenged these critics, questioning their absence during the campaign period when Seyi Tinubu took risks, faced opposition, and made personal sacrifices. He underscored the fact that Seyi Tinubu was the first son of a major presidential candidate to participate so visibly and effectively in a national campaign.
Babarinde drew a sharp contrast between Seyi Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria and the behavior of other political elites who often send their children abroad, effectively detaching them from the realities of the Nigerian state. He lauded Seyi Tinubu’s choice to remain engaged with his motherland despite having the resources to live a life of comfort overseas. This commitment, Babarinde argues, sets Seyi Tinubu apart and serves as a valuable lesson for other privileged individuals who could contribute to the nation’s development.
In conclusion, Babarinde’s defense of Seyi Tinubu paints a picture of a young man actively engaged in Nigerian politics, breaking from historical precedent and demonstrating a commitment to public service. He argues that Seyi Tinubu’s contributions to the 2023 elections and his continued support for his father’s administration warrant recognition and commendation, not criticism. Babarinde portrays Seyi Tinubu as a role model for Nigerian youth and a positive example of a privileged individual choosing to engage with the challenges facing the nation. He contrasts Seyi Tinubu’s actions with the behavior of other political elites whose children often remain detached from the realities of Nigerian life, suggesting that Seyi Tinubu’s commitment to his motherland is a commendable quality that deserves praise and emulation.
