Seun Kuti acknowledges Tinubu as his political mentor, commending his dedication to democracy

Seun Kuti, the Grammy-nominated afrobeat singer, recently disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu served as his political mentor. In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Seun Kuti shared insights into his relationship with President Tinubu, describing it as “robust” and akin to an uncle-nephew connection. He emphasized that the President had played a significant role in mentoring him during his formative years.

Kuti went on to highlight President Tinubu’s involvement as a leading figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), a pivotal organization that fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. This struggle began following the military annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely believed to have been won by Chief MKO Abiola.

Recalling his interactions with President Tinubu, Kuti remarked, “My relationship with President Tinubu on a personal level is very robust. I grew up knowing him as an uncle. He was a very good friend of Uncle Beko [Kuti]. He was a political mentor to me growing up as a child. Many of the ideas that I understand today, it was these men that taught me as a child growing up. Knowing them fighting for democracy in this country with NADECO, even when he [Tinubu] went on exile… Wole Soyinka, Uncle Beko, Asiwaju, these were the men who fought for our democracy.”

Despite their close personal ties, Kuti made it clear that he does not maintain a political relationship with President Tinubu. He also addressed speculation regarding their relationship, stating, “And even at that, I don’t think it’s anybody’s business. I’ve not been to his house in years except when I need to see him for national issues. So, these things that people say are just to tarnish your image. They make it seem like everybody must be paid for what they’re saying. No, no, no. What’s the truth is the truth. And I say it regardless of fear or favor of anybody.”

Kuti, however, expressed his disappointment with President Tinubu’s performance in office, suggesting that the President had not met expectations.