Isaac Balami Blasts Joe Igbokwe Over Comments on Seyi Tinubu’s Gubernatorial Ambitions
A former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti Campaign Organisation in the 2023 election, Comrade Isaac Balami, has criticized a statement made by Joe Igbokwe, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), regarding the upcoming 2027 gubernatorial election in Lagos State.
Igbokwe had dismissed the idea of youth leadership in Lagos, arguing that ruling the state was not a “job for the boys” and claiming that the call was a distraction aimed at undermining President Bola Tinubu.
However, Balami, who has since joined the APC, expressed his disagreement with Igbokwe’s position, describing it as “archaic” and out of place in today’s democratic landscape. He emphasized that modern democracy thrives on the involvement of young, innovative minds, noting that it was contradictory for Igbokwe to oppose youth leadership given his previous advocacy for young people in politics.
Balami argued, “Good political actors will always stand with what they believe in, and I had thought Igbokwe believes so much in the potential of the Nigerian youths. The future of this great country lies in the hands of its vibrant youths.”
Comrade Isaac Balami Rejects Igbokwe’s Stand on 2027 Lagos Guber Race, Calls for Youth Leadership
He pointed out that young leaders in Nigeria and globally have historically contributed significantly to governance and national progress. Balami drew comparisons with figures like Yakubu Gowon, who became Nigeria’s Head of State at 32, and Emmanuel Macron, who became the French President at 39.
He also noted that Seyi Tinubu, who will be 42 in 2027, has a better chance of effectively governing Lagos State, with a GDP of $87 billion, compared to France’s $3.31 trillion GDP.
Balami continued, “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 because of some campaign of calumny.”
In response to Igbokwe’s campaign against Seyi Tinubu’s candidacy, Balami said it was disturbing that the criticism was coming from someone who had benefited from similar opportunities despite his non-Lagos origin. He argued that age, gender, and tribe should not be the criteria for leadership, but competence and merit should take precedence.
Balami concluded by advocating for youth-driven leadership, stating, “I believe that Lagos and Nigeria are for the boys and not for the men. The men have done their best and should now step aside for innovative youths.”
