Social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), ignited conversations on the 17th of January, 2025, when he declared his readiness to campaign for Seyi Tinubu should the president’s son decide to contest the Lagos governorship race.
Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has recently become the subject of rising speculation over his alleged political ambitions.
Otse, who is known for his critical takes and advocacy for youth participation in politics, acknowledged that discussions surrounding Seyi’s potential candidacy are still in their formative stages, with backers “testing the waters.”
In a surprising twist, VDM revealed his willingness to break away from his usual non-political stance for Seyi. “If Seyi Tinubu decides to run for governorship, I’ll campaign for him. Though I don’t involve myself in politics, I’ll do it because of him,” he stated in a video posted on Instagram.
Backing his decision, he elaborated, “Based on my calculation, Seyi Tinubu is a bridge to achieving something I believe will make Nigeria work. I’ve been studying Seyi Tinubu’s pattern; he seems to have his father’s political mentality.”
Despite his support, Otse acknowledged potential obstacles in Seyi’s unconfirmed bid for governor, particularly resistance from seasoned politicians.
“The problem is these older men know that if Seyi Tinubu becomes governor, they’ll be kicked out of power. They’ve seen the traits of his father in him, so it’ll be a problem,” he said.
VDM further speculated that the timing could pose a challenge, suggesting that Seyi’s chances might be slim while his father holds office.
“If he decides, which I believe won’t work, especially when his father is in office, it might be hard for him to become governor,” he noted, while also conceding that politics remains a “game of interest” and surprises cannot be ruled out.
Meanwhile, the discourse has attracted significant reactions from political circles.
Recall that in November 2024, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a firm warning against any attempts to position Seyi as the next governor, emphasizing that Lagos residents would resist such moves.
The controversy follows endorsements from various groups, such as the Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, which suggested Seyi Tinubu could vie for governorship in Osun or Imo states, where his family reportedly has roots.
Another group, Friends of Seyi Tinubu, praised him as a visionary leader with a “rare combination of intellect, empathy, and strategic acumen.”
However, in a recent interview with Punch, Lagos PDP spokesperson Hakeem Amode dismissed these endorsements, asserting, “Lagos will not serve him.”