Tinubu Warns Political Allies Against Using His Name for Personal Ambitions

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly expressed displeasure over what he considers the desperation of some political associates to advance their personal ambitions, warning that their actions could damage the image and legacy of his administration.

According to a report by THISDAY, sources within the Presidential Villa said the President was particularly concerned about attempts by some political actors to associate him with controversies surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and preparations for the 2027 elections.

The reported warning comes amid growing political tension in Ogun State following the release of INEC’s final list of governorship candidates for the forthcoming election.

Contrary to some claims circulating in political circles, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, is listed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Ogun State, with Kudirat Abiodun Balogun named as his running mate.

However, the names of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu, and his running mate, Yemi Sowunmi-Kolapo, are absent from the published list.

The list contains 13 governorship candidates, with no PDP ticket included.

A senior APC source quoted in the report said Tinubu was unhappy with attempts by some political actors to link him to developments that could create the impression that the electoral process was being manipulated or predetermined by the Presidency.

The source reportedly stated, “No one should continue to drop his name to advance their selfish ambitions.”

The source added that the President wanted his administration to be remembered for strengthening democratic institutions and supporting credible elections rather than being associated with political manoeuvring.

According to the report, some individuals close to the President had drawn his attention to developments surrounding the publication of INEC’s final list, which they considered politically sensitive.

The concerns were reportedly heightened by allegations that certain political actors had celebrated the anticipated exclusion of some candidates before the electoral commission officially released the list.

The claims have added another dimension to the political dispute surrounding the Ogun State governorship election.

INEC’s published list confirms Adeola’s inclusion as the APC candidate, while Adebutu’s name and that of his running mate are missing. However, the document does not state the reason for their omission.

Adebutu has questioned the development, while the Ogun PDP has disputed claims concerning his eligibility and membership status.

The situation has consequently shifted attention to INEC, the PDP leadership, Adebutu and the legal implications of the exclusion.

The reported concerns within the Presidential Villa suggest that Tinubu is wary of attempts to portray him as influencing electoral decisions or using the powers of his office to advance the interests of particular political associates.

The development comes at a sensitive period for the ruling APC, as political alignments, internal disagreements and preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to intensify across the country.

For Ogun State, the immediate focus is on the implications of Adebutu’s omission and whether the PDP candidate will challenge the development through the appropriate legal channels.

The controversy could trigger further political and legal battles ahead of the governorship election, particularly if the PDP and its candidate decide to pursue the matter in court.

As the situation unfolds, attention will remain on INEC’s position, the response of the affected political actors and the possible consequences for the 2027 governorship race in Ogun State.