President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly expressed displeasure with some of his close associates over what he considers their excessive ambition for political power, warning that their actions are damaging the image of his administration and threatening the democratic legacy he hopes to leave behind.
According to reports attributed to sources within the Presidential Villa, the president is concerned that the desperation of certain government officials and political allies to advance their personal interests could undermine public confidence in his leadership, particularly as preparations for the forthcoming elections gather momentum.
The development comes amid growing political tension within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), following controversies surrounding the exclusion of some candidates from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for upcoming elections.
Sources familiar with the situation reportedly said some of the president’s associates had drawn his attention to what they described as questionable political manoeuvres involving certain party members. Among those mentioned was Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, who represents Ogun West in the National Assembly and is seeking to become governor of Ogun State.
The sources alleged that some political actors had celebrated the possibility of certain candidates being excluded from INEC’s list even before the electoral commission officially released the document. They reportedly described such conduct as reckless and capable of creating the impression that the president’s political camp was interfering with the electoral process.
One APC chieftain, who reportedly spoke on condition of anonymity, said those who brought the matter to Tinubu’s attention were concerned about protecting his reputation rather than advancing their own political ambitions.
According to the source, the president does not want individuals using his name or influence to pursue personal political interests at the expense of his administration’s credibility.
The source added that Tinubu was determined to preserve a democratic legacy, insisting that the president wanted his performance in office to serve as the foundation for his bid for a second term.
The insider also reportedly claimed that an emergency meeting involving members of the president’s inner political circle had been convened to address the concerns and prevent further damage to the administration’s public image.
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu was also mentioned as one of the influential figures reportedly working to resolve the issues surrounding the president’s associates and restore order within the political camp.
Another source within the presidency suggested that the disagreements reflected deeper divisions within the APC, which Tinubu was attempting to manage ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The source maintained that party members needed to take responsibility for their political decisions instead of engaging in activities that could expose the president to unnecessary criticism.
The controversy surrounding Senator Adeola has attracted attention in Ogun State, where questions about his identity and personal background have featured in discussions surrounding his governorship ambition. The senator previously addressed some of the issues during an engagement with journalists in Lagos.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in the state, has reportedly sought to capitalise on the controversy as it strengthens its political campaign under its governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, the son of billionaire businessman Sir Kensington Adebutu.
The situation intensified on Saturday when INEC’s final list of candidates reportedly excluded Adeola and his running mate. The name of Isa Ali Pantami, a candidate associated with the PDP in Gombe State, was also reportedly missing from the list.
The affected candidates subsequently questioned their exclusion and appealed to their supporters to remain calm while the matter was being addressed.
The reported development has raised fresh questions about the internal dynamics of the APC, the relationship between political ambition and party unity, and the potential consequences of disputes surrounding electoral nominations.
For Tinubu, the central concern, according to the sources, is that the actions of individuals seeking political advantage could overshadow his administration’s achievements and undermine the image he hopes to project as a democratic leader.
However, the claims about the president’s private discussions and the reported emergency meeting have not been independently verified. The circumstances surrounding the candidates’ exclusion from INEC’s list also remain a separate issue requiring clarification from the electoral commission and the affected parties.
As political activities intensify, the controversy highlights the challenges facing the ruling party as it seeks to maintain internal cohesion while addressing allegations of political interference and protecting the president’s public standing
