Isaac Balami, former Deputy Campaign Manager for Peter Obi and Datti Baba-Ahmed in the 2023 presidential election has come out to support Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu as a potential candidate for Lagos State governorship.
Balami said Seyi has the right to contest, he is qualified and of the right age.
In a statement he signed on Tuesday, Balami said he will campaign for Seyi if he decides to run in 2027.
This is coming after Joe Igbokwe, an APC chieftain in Lagos kicked against the idea of Seyi’s endorsement as a successor to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Balami defended Seyi’s ability, saying leadership potential should not be measured by age. He drew from his personal experience, saying he was rejected because of his youthful ambition and advocated for younger leaders.
He cited examples of young leaders who made impacts, Yakubu Gowon who was Head of State at 32 and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu who led Biafra at 33.
Globally he mentioned Emmanuel Macron who became France’s president at 39, leading a country with a much bigger economy than Lagos State. By 2027, Balami said Seyi Tinubu at 42 will be ripe to lead Lagos.
Balami also dismissed any attempt to disqualify Seyi based on his family ties, age or gender, saying such is discriminatory. He said competence over superfluous criteria and declared he will mobilize youth to support Seyi’s candidacy.
He listed Seyi Tinubu’s achievements as a CEO and his youth empowerment programs and said he can connect with the ordinary man.
He said Seyi has shown understanding of the people’s challenge and his innovative and energetic approach will be good for Lagos.
Meanwhile Seyi’s ambition has not been without controversy.
Lagos PDP kicked against the idea, saying Lagosians will reject any attempt to impose him as governor. PDP spokesperson Hakeem Amode said leadership is not inheritance, that such practice will undermine democracy and meritocracy.
Seyi Tinubu’s endorsement has sparked a bigger conversation on leadership in Lagos and Nigeria, the growing call for a change from the old political elites to the young and vibrant.
Will this change gain traction? Only time will tell as 2027 election approaches.