The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore, has criticised the organisation of a colloquium in honour of Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, questioning the achievements that justified the event and the prominence it received.
Sowore described the gathering as an example of political sycophancy, faulting the extensive media coverage it attracted while millions of Nigerians continue to face economic difficulties, unemployment and insecurity.
In a post on X on Monday night, the activist said he watched the programme being transmitted live on major television stations and expressed surprise at the participation of several high-profile individuals.
“What exactly has @STinubu contributed to Nigerian society to warrant this elaborate colloquium, attended by so many ‘prominent personalities’ and broadcast across major television stations?” he asked.
He also challenged the rationale behind the event, questioning whether it was organised to celebrate Seyi Tinubu’s personal accomplishments or whether his relationship with the president was the primary reason for the recognition.
“Is this about merit, or simply about being the son of a sitting president?” Sowore asked.
The human rights activist drew comparisons with political developments during the administration of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, when marriages involving members of the presidential family and serving state governors attracted considerable public and political attention.
According to Sowore, such relationships subsequently lost their political relevance after Yar’Adua’s death, a development he cited in criticising what he considers a tendency to celebrate individuals because of their connections to those in power.
He argued that public attention should instead focus on holding the Tinubu administration accountable for the economic and security challenges confronting the country, rather than celebrating events he believes place undue emphasis on the president’s family.
“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship brought about by his father, @officialABAT, we should be having national shaming of the Tinubu regime. Sad day!” he wrote.
The inaugural Seyi Tinubu Colloquium, themed Shaping the Future Together, was held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos on Monday. According to Politics Nigeria, the gathering featured discussions on national development, youth participation in governance and the country’s future.
Addressing participants at the event, Seyi Tinubu urged Nigerians to have confidence in the Federal Government’s economic policies, maintaining that the ongoing reforms were designed to expand opportunities and establish a stronger economic foundation for future generations.
He pointed to the removal of the petrol subsidy, changes to the foreign exchange system and the restructuring of taxation as significant policy decisions influencing Nigeria’s economic trajectory.
“Removing the fuel subsidy, reforming the foreign exchange system and overhauling taxation are decisions about how Nigeria earns, spends and creates opportunities,” he said.
While acknowledging the difficulties associated with the government’s economic programme, Seyi noted that many Nigerian households had already experienced the immediate effects of the changes, even as the anticipated long-term gains remained difficult for some to experience.
“Changes have not been easy. Families whose budgets have been stretched, the pain was immediate, the lasting improvement more difficult to feel and touch, yet they are no less real,” he said.
He also highlighted ongoing investments in infrastructure, electricity, mining, manufacturing and agriculture, arguing that developments in these sectors could strengthen economic productivity, improve access to markets and create employment opportunities.
Defending his backing for the president’s reform agenda, Seyi said younger generations deserved an economic environment where dedication and hard work could lead to tangible improvements in their lives.
“I support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms because we will inherit a future built by leaders of today,” he said.
He further encouraged young Nigerians to take an active role in leadership and public affairs, stressing the importance of ensuring that decisions made by the present generation produce positive outcomes for those who will inherit the country in the years ahead.
