By Dorcas Francis Koji
Former Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign Council, Comrade Isaac Balami, has led a group of Obidient Movement leaders and professionals to declare support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Balami and other members of the Peter Obi support network met with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in Abuja on Friday, where they expressed their commitment to mobilising support for the President’s re-election campaign.
The former Trade Union Congress (TUC) spokesperson joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the 2023 general elections, explaining at the time that his decision was influenced by what he described as a lack of purposeful leadership within the Labour Party.
The Abuja meeting brought together leaders of various support groups and professionals who played active roles during Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign. Those present included representatives of Obidient groups from the Middle Belt, North-Central region, social media influencers, professional bodies, journalists, religious leaders, and members of Igbo Obidient groups from the North and South-East.
Addressing the gathering, Balami reflected on his experience within the Obi/Datti campaign structure, alleging that some members of the movement faced neglect and unfair treatment despite their contributions.
He announced that the group had decided to align with the APC and described the movement as now being “obediently BATIFIED.”
“It is exactly three years since I left the Labour Party with my political structure. Throughout that period, we have remained patient. Now, we believe it is time to work earnestly for the APC and support the leadership of President Bola Tinubu,” Balami said.
He added that the group had resolved to present its political structure to the APC and work towards increasing the number of votes secured by Tinubu in the 2027 election.
“Those gathered here represent active political groups from different parts of the country. Many worked tirelessly for the Obidient Movement and made significant contributions to Peter Obi’s campaign. Today, however, they have chosen to join me in building a new political structure within the APC,” he stated.
Balami said political decisions are often influenced by interests, adding that members of the group believed their interests were not adequately recognised or protected within the previous political structure.
Other leaders of the support groups who spoke at the event also alleged that they experienced neglect during their time working for the Obi/Datti campaign. They pledged to return to their communities to mobilise support for the APC and President Tinubu’s administration.
The speakers recalled the sacrifices made during the 2023 election campaign, including personal financial commitments, time, and resources, while expressing disappointment over what they described as a lack of recognition for their efforts.
Responding to the delegation, Seyi Tinubu welcomed the group into the APC and the Renewed Hope Movement, appreciating their decision to support President Tinubu’s administration.
“We welcome you and appreciate your support, as well as your recognition of what Asiwaju has done for the country,” he said.
Seyi Tinubu assured the new members that the movement would remain open and inclusive, promising fair treatment for all supporters.
“Our movement is inclusive, and everyone will be treated fairly. You have joined us because you believe in building a better Nigeria. While it is unfortunate that you were not treated fairly where you came from, that experience has brought us together today,” he added.
He also commended Balami for his commitment and appealed to the group to remain patient, assuring them that the administration would continue working towards national development.
Seyi Tinubu highlighted several policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration, including infrastructure development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic reforms, fuel subsidy removal, and the introduction of a new national minimum wage.
The development marks another major political realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections as former supporters of opposition figures continue to reposition themselves within Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
By Dorcas Francis Koji
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