Comrade Isaac Balami, a former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti Campaign Organisation in the 2023 election, has chastised Joe Igbokwe, an APC chieftain, over his stance on the 2027 Lagos State guber election.
Igbokwe had stated that managing Lagos was not a job for boys, and that the appeal was a distraction intended to bring President Bola Tinubu down.
However, according to reports on Tuesday, Balami, now an APC chieftain, stated that, while he respected Igbokwe, whom he knew to be a youth advocate, his position on the matter was archaic and had no place in modern democracy, which is “primarily driven by young and innovative minds.”
The former TUC spokesman expressed surprise that the controversial comment could come from Igbokwe’s page, stating that good political actors will always stand up for what they believe in, “and I had thought Igbokwe believes so much in the potential of Nigerian youths.”
He stated: “I believe that, like all of us, he understands that the future of this magnificent country is in the hands of its energetic youths. It is therefore inconsistent to claim otherwise.
“There is no doubt that young people are taking over the economy and politics. Historically, excellent governance is connected with young leaders.
“This is a fact Igbokwe understands and should defend because he began benefiting from politics very early in life.Lagos was essential in shaping his political development. This did not begin at his current age. The chance created for Igbokwe enabled him to have a say in Lagos politics. This is why he should leave Seyi Tinubu alone from now on.
“How old was Yakubu Gowon when he became the country’s head of state? At the age of 32, his accomplishments were unparalleled. Biafra was led by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, who was 33. Obafemi Awolowo became the Premier of Western Nigeria at the age of 37.
“Peter Obi was granted the mantle at the age of 46. Donald Duke did well while serving as Governor of Cross River State. He was just 37 years old.
“In terms of global politics and governance, Emmanuel Macron became the French President at the age of 39.” Compare France’s GDP of $3.31 trillion to Lagos State’s GDP of $87 billion, and you’ll see that Seyi Tinubu, who will be 42 in 2027, has a greater chance of controlling Lagos than anyone else.
“It remains an obvious violation of one’s fundamental human rights if someone who has reached the franchise age is purposefully denied the right and chance to run for governor of Lagos state as a result of a smear campaign.
“And the fact that the current agitation and campaign against Seyi Tinubu’s age is coming from someone who has not only benefited from the same opportunity but has been awarded the same rights as Lagos people, despite his South East heritage, is rather alarming.
“If Igbokwe could rely on his age, why not address the pressing issue of indigeneity and abandon his identity as a Lagosian. Using age, gender, and tribe to select our leaders will frustrate leadership by competence and merit.
Balami argues that during campaigns, only competent and results-oriented leaders should be prioritized over age, as Igbokwe advocates.
“I believe that Lagos and Nigeria are for boys, not men.
“The men have done their best and should now step aside for innovative youths,” according to him.
