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

Seun Kuti, the youngest son of legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, has expressed his thoughts on Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the new president of Nigeria, and the kind of relationship he has with him.

In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Seun Kuti discussed his connection with the president.

Seun Kuti described Tinubu as his political mentor, emphasizing his efforts in fighting for democracy in Nigeria.

He recalled that Tinubu was a key figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which campaigned for Nigeria’s democracy after the military threw out Chief MKO Abiola’s presumed victory in the presidential election of June 12, 1993.

He emphasized that the president, whom he has always referred to as his uncle and with whom he has a close relationship, served as a mentor to him when he was younger.

Seun Kuti revealed that he has always respected Tinubu, even though so far, he hasn’t been performing well since he assumed the seat as the president of Nigeria .

Seun Kuti 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.”