Sowore Challenges Seyi Tinubu Over Colloquium, Demands to Know His Contributions

Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has criticised Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, over a colloquium held in his honour, questioning the achievements that warranted the event.

In a post on X, Sowore described the gathering as an example of what he considers an increasing culture of sycophancy and excessive admiration for political power in Nigeria.

Reacting to the event, which was aired on major television stations, the activist questioned the basis for the celebration and the participation of several prominent figures.

“What exactly has Seyi Tinubu contributed to Nigerian society to warrant this elaborate colloquium, attended by so many ‘prominent personalities’ and broadcast across major television stations?” he asked.

Sowore also challenged the organisers to clarify whether the event recognised any notable public service, intellectual contributions or national achievements, or whether it was primarily linked to Seyi Tinubu’s relationship with the president.

“Is this about merit, or simply about being the son of a sitting president?” he wrote.

The AAC candidate further referenced marriages involving members of the family of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and serving state governors, noting that the relationships generated considerable political attention at the time.

He argued that the public spectacle surrounding those relationships eventually diminished following Yar’Adua’s death.

“Today, we are witnessing another manifestation of this culture of power worship,” Sowore said.

He also questioned the timing of the colloquium, pointing to the economic and security challenges confronting Nigerians, including hunger, unemployment and insecurity.

Sowore attributed the country’s economic difficulties to the policies of the Tinubu administration, arguing that greater attention should be directed towards the struggles of ordinary citizens rather than celebrations centred on the president’s son.

“At a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling with hunger, unemployment, insecurity, and economic hardship brought about by his father, we should be having national shaming of the Tinubu regime,” he wrote.

He ended his reaction by describing the occasion as a “sad day”.