Former presidential aide Lauretta Onochie has weighed in on the eligibility of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, to contest the Lagos State governorship election in 2027, alongside other political heavyweights like Femi Gbajabiamila, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, and ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Onochie clarified that no law bars individuals whose parents held high-ranking political positions, such as governors or presidents, from seeking governorship positions in Nigeria. Sharing her thoughts via social media, she urged Nigerians to base their debates on the legal framework governing electoral eligibility.
“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,” Onochie emphasized.
She outlined the legal requirements for governorship aspirants, including Nigerian citizenship by birth, a minimum age of 35, sponsorship by a political party, and at least a secondary school education. Onochie also detailed disqualifications, such as convictions for fraud, mental incapacity, bankruptcy, and affiliation with secret societies.
The discussion follows rising speculations about Seyi Tinubu’s potential candidacy in 2027. Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, recently praised Seyi’s commitment and track record, deeming him well-qualified to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. Meanwhile, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila has dismissed rumors of gubernatorial ambitions, stating his focus remains on serving the presidency.
As debates about Lagos State’s 2027 governorship race intensify, Onochie’s remarks serve as a call for objective and law-guided conversations on succession in the state.
