The comments made by Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), opposing the endorsement of Seyi Tinubu for the position of Lagos State governor have ignited controversy.
Igbokwe had earlier posted on Facebook that ruling Lagos is not a task for “the boys,” calling the endorsement a distraction aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu.
In response to Igbokwe’s remarks, various voices have emerged to challenge his stance, with Comrade Isaac Balami, a prominent APC member and former Deputy Campaign Manager for Obi/Datti in the 2023 election, taking the lead.
Balami, in a statement, expressed strong support for Seyi Tinubu, noting that the young leader has the capacity to further enhance Lagos State’s development.
Balami declared, “If Seyi Tinubu agrees to run in the next Lagos governorship election, I will come all out with my army of youth supporters to support him because as a young man, I had suffered serious blow in the past years because they saw that I was young and ambitious. This is the time to change the practice of gerontocracy for the good of Lagosians.”
While acknowledging his respect for Igbokwe, Balami stated that the APC leader’s view on the matter is outdated. He added that modern democracy thrives on the inclusion of young, innovative leaders. Balami questioned Igbokwe’s current stance, emphasizing that the APC leader had himself benefited from opportunities at a younger age.
Balami referenced historical and global examples of young leaders who excelled in governance, including Yakubu Gowon, Emmanuel Macron, and Donald Duke, arguing that age should not be a barrier for capable leaders like Seyi Tinubu.
“It remains a clear case of infringement on one’s fundamental human rights if someone who has hit the franchise age is deliberately denied the right and the opportunity to run and become the governor of Lagos State,” he noted.
He further praised Seyi Tinubu for his leadership qualities, citing his successful role as a business executive and his contributions to youth empowerment through his foundation. Balami concluded that Lagos is ready for fresh, dynamic leadership, saying, “The men have done their best and should now step aside for innovative youths.”
