Seun Kuti, the Grammy-nominated afrobeat artist, recently revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu served as his political mentor. In an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the son of the late afrobeat legend Fela Kuti discussed his connection with President Tinubu, referring to him as an “uncle” and emphasizing the influential role Tinubu played in his formative years.
Kuti reflected on Tinubu’s significant contribution as a key member of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria after the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, an election in which Chief MKO Abiola was widely assumed to be the victor.
He stated, “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.”
While Kuti acknowledged his personal closeness with Tinubu and their shared commitment to democratic ideals, he clarified that he currently maintains no political relationship with him. Kuti emphasized that people’s speculations regarding their relationship are unfounded attempts to discredit his integrity and that he speaks the truth regardless of any external pressures.
Regarding President Tinubu’s performance in office, Kuti expressed his concerns about the president’s track record.