Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A former presidential aspirant and chieftain of The Alternative political movement, Segun Showunmi, has triggered a fresh wave of political discourse after he publicly praised Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as “a son worthy of admiration” and declaring that every father would be grateful to have a child like him. Showunmi, who formerly served as spokesperson for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, made the remarks in a post on his X handle following a visit to the City Boy Movement office, where Seyi Tinubu personally conducted him around the facility.
In his address, which was directed at President Tinubu, Showunmi expressed profound admiration for what he observed at the City Boy Movement headquarters. He noted that his impression was driven less by the physical structure and more by the inclusive organisational culture that brought together young Nigerians from different ethnic, religious, and social backgrounds. “No father can have a son like Seyi Tinubu and not be deeply thankful to Almighty God,” Showunmi wrote. He added: “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I am genuinely happy for you. There are many achievements a man may record in public life, but among the greatest blessings bestowed upon any father is to see his values reflected in his children”.
Showunmi, who is also the convener of The Alternative movement, a platform aimed at fostering grassroots consensus for the selection of future leaders, emphasised that Seyi Tinubu is working hard to justify the confidence reposed in him. “In Seyi, I see a young man who is working hard to justify the confidence reposed in him and to earn his place through effort and commitment,” he stated. The politician said the City Boy Movement reflected deliberate leadership, noting that the organisation was gender-balanced and inclusive of persons living with disabilities.
What struck Showunmi most, however, was the culture within the organisation. He recounted watching Seyi interact with his team and observing him share snacks with members of his back-end staff. “There was no air of superiority, no unnecessary distance. Respect flowed naturally. The people around him appeared motivated not merely because they worked with him, but because they felt valued by him,” Showunmi wrote. He noted that leadership is often revealed away from public attention, adding that character is found in the little things.
Addressing the President directly, Showunmi said: “Mr. President, I do not know what special favour from God has produced such a blessing, but I can say without reservation that you have a son worthy of admiration”. He described Seyi as a younger brother whose dedication, energy, and commitment to service made him proud. He encouraged Seyi to continue his work, expressing confidence that his efforts would contribute meaningfully to the political cause he believes in and demonstrate that political engagement can be “organised, inclusive, respectful, and purposeful”.
Showunmi’s comments come against the backdrop of his evolving political positioning. A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party and convener of The Alternative, he has previously expressed reservations about some political alignments while also openly acknowledging some of President Tinubu’s policies. In a March 2026 interview, he stated that “The Alternative is not a bargaining chip; it is a reorientation platform”. He has also said it would be difficult for any opposition candidate to defeat President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
The City Boy Movement, which Showunmi visited, has been described as driving a new architecture for youth participation in governance and nation-building. The organisation has previously faced scrutiny, with the movement denying a viral blasphemy claim against Seyi Tinubu. Showunmi concluded his remarks by stating that every father desires a son who will add value to his legacy, and every nation needs young people prepared to work, unite others, and serve with humility. “From what I have seen, Seyi Tinubu is striving to be such a man,” he said.
The praise from a prominent opposition figure for the President’s son has inevitably drawn attention and sparked debate across political circles. Some observers view the comments as a reflection of genuine cross-party appreciation for youth engagement, while others interpret them through the lens of Nigeria’s complex and often fluid political alignments ahead of the 2027 elections. Showunmi’s willingness to publicly commend Seyi Tinubu, despite his opposition party affiliation, underscores the increasingly blurred lines in Nigeria’s political landscape, where personal relationships and ideological pragmatism often transcend party labels.
As the nation looks toward the next electoral cycle, Showunmi’s remarks serve as a reminder that political realignments are rarely straightforward. Whether this gesture signals a deeper shift in opposition dynamics or simply a moment of personal admiration, it has succeeded in placing Seyi Tinubu’s role and the City Boy Movement firmly in the national conversation. For now, Showunmi’s message remains clear: in a country yearning for unity and purposeful leadership, the example set by young Nigerians like Seyi Tinubu deserves recognition, regardless of political divides.
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