Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, is facing widespread criticism following his visit to Yobe State on March 14, 2025. The visit, which was officially presented as an engagement with youths on development initiatives, has been widely interpreted as a premature political campaign for the 2027 elections, sparking concerns about a potential violation of electoral laws.
Accompanied by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Wisdom, Seyi Tinubu met with young people in Yobe to discuss empowerment programs. However, many Nigerians took to social media to accuse him of using the visit as an early campaign strategy ahead of the next presidential election. Under Nigerian electoral laws, electioneering is prohibited more than 90 days before polls, making the alleged political undertones of his visit a subject of controversy.
The backlash intensified after social media user @AfamDeluxo shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that Seyi Tinubu was “running a premature 2027 campaign” while Nigerians continued to suffer under worsening economic conditions. The post, accompanied by a video from the event, fueled outrage, with many calling the visit tone-deaf, especially as citizens actively participated in the ongoing #30DaysRantChallenge—a social media movement highlighting economic hardship.
The reaction was swift and scathing. Users mocked the visit’s tone and messaging, with some questioning Seyi Tinubu’s credibility. A user, @MilagroNero, sarcastically commented, “The caption of the video when they’re singing, lmao,” making fun of the way the event was presented. Another user, @AfamDeluxo, simply wrote, “Nigeria head boy?” in what appeared to be a mocking reference to Seyi positioning himself as a national leader. Others took a harsher stance, with @oparameka stating, “The guy lie pass him papa,” suggesting that Seyi was even more deceptive than his father.
The criticism extended beyond Seyi Tinubu himself to the administration he represents. User @Bobbydazzler191 expressed frustration by writing, “Your father hasn’t even fulfilled any of his campaign promises, and this idiot is here talking rubbish.” The sentiment of broken promises resonated with many, as Nigerians struggle with inflation, high fuel prices, and economic instability under President Tinubu’s government. Another commenter, @nwoke_nanka, referred to Seyi as “Seyi Odumodu,” a derogatory nickname implying arrogance or incompetence. In a similar tone, @CNLWIZZY wrote in Igbo, “Onye Ala na Apu,” a phrase that roughly translates to calling him a mad person who should be removed from public affairs.
Some reactions carried an air of disbelief and mockery, with @Teeworld2022 jokingly saying, “Dem no stone am comot stage,” implying that the event was ridiculous enough that people might have wanted to drive him off the stage. Others simply dismissed the situation with laughter, such as @iamretired_web3’s “LMAO,” an abbreviation for “laughing my ass off,” indicating ridicule rather than outrage.
Beyond social media anger, the visit also raises legal and ethical concerns. According to guidelines set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), official campaigns for the 2027 elections should not commence before November 2026. If Seyi Tinubu’s visit is interpreted as political mobilization, it could be classified as a violation of electoral regulations. However, INEC has yet to make an official statement on the matter.
The controversy surrounding Seyi Tinubu’s visit reflects broader dissatisfaction with the government and intensifies ongoing debates about political privilege in Nigeria. Many citizens see the president’s son as someone leveraging his father’s position while ordinary Nigerians continue to face economic hardships.