“Tinubu was my political mentor, he fought for democracy” – Seun Kuti

Seun Kuti, the afrobeat singer who was nominated for a Grammy, has stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was his political mentor.

During an interview with Chude Jideonwo, a media personality, the son of late afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti, disclosed that he has a strong relationship with the President who is like an uncle to him. He remarked that while growing up, Tinubu was his mentor.

Tinubu was a prominent member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for Nigeria’s democracy following the annulment of Chief MKO Abiola’s assumed victory in the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

He said, “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… Wale Soyinka, uncle Beko, Asiwaju, these were the men who fought for our democracy.

“During Tinubu’s first term as Governor of Lagos State, I performed at all his rallies. I’ve always been close to him personally. But I don’t have any political relationship with him. 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 favour of anybody.”

He, however, said so far, President Tinubu has not been performing well.