The former Deputy Campaign Manager for Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed in the 2023 presidential election, Isaac Balami, is ready to back Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, as a potential candidate to become the next governor of Lagos state.
Balami made this clear in a statement he signed on Tuesday.
According to him, Seyi has the fundamental right to run for governor, emphasising that he is of age and qualified for the position.
He also declared his readiness to campaign for Seyi if he decides to contest in the 2027 Lagos governorship election.
This statement followed a comment by an All Progressives Congress chieftain in Lagos, Joe Igbokwe, who criticised the endorsement of Seyi Tinubu by some groups as a potential successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Reacting to the criticism, Balami argued that Seyi’s ability to lead should not be judged by his age.
“If Seyi Tinubu agrees to run in the next Lagos governorship election, I will come out fully with my army of youth supporters to back him.
“As a young man, I have faced rejection in the past because of my age and ambition. This is the time to change the practice of gerontocracy for the good of Lagosians,” Balami said.
He added that while he respects Igbokwe, his stance on the matter was outdated and inconsistent with the demands of modern democracy, which prioritised innovative and youthful leadership.
Balami further highlighted the global and historical successes of young leaders:
“There is no doubt that young people are taking over politically and economically. How old was Yakubu Gowon when he became head of state? He was 32, and his achievements were unmatched. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu led Biafra at 33. Obafemi Awolowo became Premier of Western Nigeria at 37. Donald Duke was an effective governor of Cross River State at just 37.
“Globally, Emmanuel Macron became the President of France at 39, leading a country with a GDP of $3.31 trillion compared to Lagos State’s GDP of $87 billion. By 2027, Seyi Tinubu will be 42, and he stands a strong chance of leading Lagos effectively.”
He also condemned any attempt to deny Seyi the right to run based on age, gender or family ties, describing such actions as infringements on fundamental human rights.
He added, “Using age, gender, or tribe as criteria for leadership undermines competence and merit. My team and I are ready to mobilise support for Seyi Tinubu should he decide to accept the endorsement from various groups.”
