The former Deputy Campaign Manager for Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed (ObiDatti) in the 2023 presidential election, Isaac Balami, has expressed his support for the son of President Bola Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu as a potential candidate for the governorship position in Lagos State.
In a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, Balami states that Seyi as a citizen of Nigeria has the fundamental human right to contest 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 by Balami 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 but by capacity in his disposal
“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He added that while he respects Igbokwe, his stance on the matter was outdated and inconsistent with the demands of modern democracy, which prioritised innovative and youthful leadership.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.”
Balami also praised Seyi’s track record as the CEO of multiple companies and his contributions to youth empowerment programmes.
He noted that Seyi has demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
“Empowering young people and lifting dashed hopes amid tough times shows that Seyi Tinubu is a man in touch with the realities of the people. Lagos and Nigeria need the innovation and energy of the youth. The men have done their part; it’s time for the young to take charge,” he concluded.
Seyi’s endorsement as a potential candidate for Lagos governor since last year has sparked debates and criticism among stakeholders.
In November, the Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party announced that citizens would resist any attempt to impose Seyi as the next governor of the state.
The Lagos PDP spokesperson, Hakeem Amode, firmly rejected the idea, stating, “Lagos will not serve him.”
Amode further questioned whether the governorship should become a form of inheritance, arguing that it is inappropriate for a father to pass such a role to his son
https://youtu.be/Ew0wED9-ci4
