The Independent Civic Movement (ICM) has urged the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate for the party’s 2027 governorship ticket.
The group said its position followed what it described as internal consultations and a review of Seyi Tinubu’s qualifications, public engagements and social impact initiatives.
ICM Coordinator, Rabiu Kazeem, who spoke to journalists yesterday while announcing the group’s position, said the endorsement was part of a follow-up to an earlier statement issued under its advocacy framework tagged the ST Project.
He explained that the movement is a civic platform focused on advocacy, citizen engagement and public mobilisation, and not an organ of any political party.
According to him, the movement’s recommendation is based on constitutional eligibility, leadership capacity and exposure, as well as what he described as sustained involvement in youth development and healthcare-related interventions through private initiatives.
Kazeem said concerns in some quarters over Seyi Tinubu’s family background should not disqualify him from political consideration, noting that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees equal political rights to citizens who meet stipulated requirements, regardless of parentage.
He added that democratic participation should be determined by competence and readiness for service rather than lineage, stressing that multiple aspirants are expected to emerge and that party delegates would ultimately decide through the primary process.
On arguments that he should begin from lower elective offices, Kazeem said political leadership paths vary across democracies and are not restricted to a single progression model.
He maintained that interest, capacity and preparedness are valid factors in seeking higher office. The ICM coordinator said the group has begun a signature campaign across Lagos State as part of its civic endorsement drive, aimed at demonstrating citizen support for its position. He described the exercise as voluntary and advocacy-based.
He noted that the movement would not take a position on zoning or district considerations, stating that such decisions rest with party leaders and stakeholders. Kazeem said the group would continue to engage the public and political actors through lawful advocacy, adding that leadership selection should prioritise merit, service record and governance capacity.
He said: “This support is neither transactional nor presumptive. Project ST 2027 is not affiliated with Mr. Seyi Tinubu, nor does it speak for any formal political structure. Our position is born out of careful reflection on the kind of leadership Lagos will require in the years ahead-leadership grounded in competence, global exposure, intellectual depth, compassion, and a clear understanding of the soul of this state.
“Lagos is evolving. Its challenges are more complex, its population more diverse, and its future more demanding. Project ST 2027 believes that Mr. Tinubu possesses the intellectual capacity, emotional intelligence, and experiential depth required to consolidate past achievements while boldly steering Lagos into its next era of growth and inclusion.”
