‘What Has He Contributed To Nigeria?’ Sowore Knocks Seyi Tinubu Over Colloquium

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has criticised Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, over a colloquium organised in his honour, questioning his contributions to national development.

Sowore, in a post on his verified X handle, described the event as an example of what he termed the growing culture of sycophancy and worship of political power in Nigeria.

The programme, which was broadcast on major television stations and attended by several prominent personalities, drew criticism from the AAC candidate, who questioned the achievements that warranted such recognition.

“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 questioned whether the gathering was organised to recognise public service, intellectual contributions or notable national achievements, arguing that the event raised questions about the basis for honouring the president’s son.

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

The activist also drew parallels with the marriages involving members of the family of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and serving governors, which attracted considerable political attention at the time.

According to Sowore, the public attention surrounding those relationships eventually faded following Yar’Adua’s death, which he cited as an example of how political influence can shape public perception and recognition.

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

He further faulted the timing of the colloquium, arguing that the event was taking place when millions of Nigerians were grappling with economic hardship, unemployment, hunger and insecurity.

Sowore attributed the challenges to the policies of the Tinubu administration, insisting that the country’s attention should be focused on the difficulties facing ordinary citizens rather than celebrating 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.

The AAC presidential candidate concluded his reaction by expressing displeasure over the event, describing it as a “sad day”.