Seyi and Yinka Tinubu’s involvement in their father’s government has ignited discussions about the role of first families in public office. Their use of presidential jets and the 500 million Naira donation to the Borno government for flood relief raises significant concerns regarding transparency and accountability in a democracy. While the use of state resources by family members isn’t entirely new, there must be clear guidelines to prevent the perception or reality of misuse of public assets.
Regarding the large donation, it is crucial to disclose the source of such funds. In any democracy, transparency is key—especially when it involves individuals closely connected to those in power. If the donation came from personal wealth, that should be made explicit. Without proper explanations, such gestures can fuel public suspicion of corruption or undue influence. Maintaining high ethical standards and transparency is vital to preserve public trust and ensure that democratic values are upheld.
There have been attempts to demonstrate boundaries between public office and family influence within the Tinubu administration. For instance, it was once credited to the president that he ordered Seyi Tinubu out of a Federal Executive Council meeting. Such actions are crucial in establishing that family members, regardless of their proximity to power, do not have undue influence in official government matters. However, while such instances help set a precedent, more systemic and transparent guidelines are necessary to prevent any recurring concerns.
Let’s turn our attention to the United States, often seen as the bastion of democracy. During Donald Trump’s presidency, several members of his family became directly involved in his administration, raising similar concerns about the role of family in government. Ivanka Trump, his eldest daughter, initially claimed she would have no formal role but eventually became a senior adviser focusing on economic issues and women’s empowerment. Her involvement in international diplomacy, such as representing the U.S. at the G20 summit, sparked criticism, with many questioning her qualifications for such roles.
Jared Kushner, Ivanka’s husband, also took on a prominent role in Trump’s administration, overseeing everything from peace negotiations in the Middle East to managing the administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Both Ivanka and Kushner lacked the political or diplomatic experience typically required for such high-stakes roles, raising valid concerns about nepotism and conflicts of interest.
Even though Trump’s sons, Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, were not officially employed by the administration, they continued to manage the Trump Organization while their father was in office. This led to further criticism, as the family business appeared to benefit from Trump’s presidency, with accusations that government influence was used to promote their business interests. The fine line between personal and public roles blurred, raising important questions about transparency and accountability—issues that echo what we are witnessing in Nigeria.
Across the world, family involvement in government is not an isolated phenomenon. In the Philippines, the Marcos family has long been a dominant force in politics. The return of the Marcos name with Bongbong Marcos now serving as president has sparked renewed debate about the persistence of political dynasties and the implications for democracy. Similarly, in Argentina, the Kirchner family has maintained a stronghold on national politics, with Néstor Kirchner and his wife, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, both having served as president. Their continued political dominance raises questions about dynastic politics and the concentration of power within a single family.
In Pakistan, the Bhutto-Zardari family’s influence stretches over generations, with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, his daughter Benazir Bhutto, and her husband Asif Ali Zardari all holding top positions in government. Today, their son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari continues the legacy, leading the Pakistan People’s Party. While the family’s influence is admired by some, it also draws concerns about nepotism and the intergenerational transfer of political power.
The Nehru-Gandhi family in India presents another example, with Jawaharlal Nehru, his daughter Indira Gandhi, and her son Rajiv Gandhi all having served as prime ministers. Their contributions to India’s governance are significant, yet their long-standing influence has been criticized for fostering a dynastic element within Indian politics.
In Kenya, the Kenyatta family has also left a lasting imprint on the country’s political landscape. Jomo Kenyatta, the country’s first president, was succeeded by his son Uhuru Kenyatta, who served as president until 2022. While the Kenyattas are credited with shaping modern Kenya, their prolonged dominance has raised concerns about the concentration of power within a single family.
Syria offers a more autocratic example with the Assad family. Hafez al-Assad’s rule passed to his son Bashar al-Assad, who continues to govern amid civil war and international controversy. The Assad family’s grip on power highlights the dangers of political dynasties, particularly in non-democratic settings.
Even in Singapore, where the Lee family has led the country for decades, concerns about political succession have surfaced. Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of modern Singapore, was succeeded by his son Lee Hsien Loong as prime minister. Though Singapore has been praised for its stability, the continuation of the Lee family’s leadership has sparked discussions about the concentration of power.
In Canada, the Trudeau family has left its mark, with Pierre Trudeau serving as prime minister in the late 20th century, followed by his son Justin Trudeau. While the Trudeaus are celebrated by many, the continuity of their political legacy has also prompted reflection on the influence of political families in established democracies.
Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa family has faced even harsher criticism, particularly during the country’s economic crisis. Mahinda Rajapaksa, who served as president and later prime minister, and his brother Gotabaya, the former president, have been widely accused of nepotism and corruption. Their role in exacerbating the economic crisis has brought to light the risks of concentrating political power within a family.
These global examples show a recurring theme—family involvement in government often raises questions about nepotism, transparency, and the blurring of personal and public roles. While some political families have made positive contributions to their countries, the consolidation of power within a single family inevitably raises concerns about democratic accountability. Whether in established democracies or more autocratic systems, the presence of political dynasties challenges the very principles of transparency, fairness, and equal access to power.
In the case of Nigeria’s President Tinubu administration, the involvement of Seyi and Yinka Tinubu has naturally raised concerns similar to those seen globally when family members occupy or benefit from roles close to power. The use of state resources, such as presidential jets, alongside substantial financial gestures like the 500 million Naira donation to Borno, highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability. Without clear boundaries between public office and family influence, these actions risk eroding public trust and fueling suspicions of nepotism and misuse of state assets.
For President Tinubu administration to uphold democratic values, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines that separate familial ties from governance. Transparency about the source of funds and the role of family members in state matters is essential to maintaining integrity and public confidence. In a democracy like Nigeria, such openness is necessary to avoid the perception that political power is being used for personal or familial advantage. Only through clarity and adherence to ethical standards can the government preserve its legitimacy and foster trust among the people.
Femi Adefemiwa writes from New York and be be reached on femi.adefemiwa@gmail.com
