By John Umeh
The Independent Civic Movement (ICM) has called on the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to give consideration to Seyi Tinubu as a prospective aspirant for the party’s governorship ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group said the appeal followed extensive internal consultations and an assessment of Tinubu’s credentials, public engagements and social intervention efforts.
Speaking with journalists while formally unveiling the group’s position, ICM Coordinator, Rabiu Kazeem, said the call was a continuation of an earlier advocacy initiative under what it described as the “ST Project.”
Kazeem explained that ICM is a non-partisan civic platform committed to advocacy, citizen participation and public mobilisation, stressing that it does not function as an arm of any political party.
According to him, the recommendation was informed by Tinubu’s constitutional eligibility, leadership exposure and what the group described as his consistent involvement in youth empowerment and health-related initiatives driven through private platforms.
He dismissed concerns in some quarters that Tinubu’s family background could be a disadvantage, arguing that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees equal political rights to all qualified citizens, irrespective of lineage.
Kazeem maintained that political participation in a democracy should be anchored on competence, preparedness and willingness to serve, rather than ancestry. He added that the APC’s internal democratic process allows for multiple aspirants, with party delegates empowered to make the final decision during primaries.
Responding to claims that Tinubu should first seek lower elective offices, the ICM coordinator said leadership trajectories differ across democracies and are not bound by a rigid progression structure.
He noted that interest, capacity and readiness are legitimate grounds for seeking any elective position, adding that the group has commenced a voluntary signature-gathering exercise across Lagos State to demonstrate public backing for its advocacy.
Kazeem clarified that the movement would not wade into zoning or senatorial district debates, describing such matters as the prerogative of party leaders and stakeholders. He said ICM would continue to engage citizens and political actors through lawful advocacy, insisting that merit, service record and governance ability should remain central to leadership selection.
“This support is neither transactional nor assumptive,” Kazeem said. “Project ST 2027 is not affiliated with Mr. Seyi Tinubu and does not represent any formal political structure. Our position is the result of deep reflection on the type of leadership Lagos will need in the coming years—leadership defined by competence, global exposure, intellectual depth and compassion.
“Lagos is changing rapidly. Its challenges are more complex, its population more diverse and its future more demanding. We believe Mr. Tinubu has the intellectual capacity, emotional intelligence and experiential depth to sustain existing achievements while guiding the state into a new phase of inclusive growth and development.”
