Former Obi/Datti Campaign Leader Balami Leads Obidient Supporters to Declare Support for Tinubu Ahead of 2027
Former Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign, Comrade Isaac Balami, has led a group of Obidient Movement leaders, professionals and support group coordinators to declare their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Balami, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the 2023 elections, said his decision was influenced by what he described as a lack of purposeful leadership within the Labour Party.
The former Trade Union Congress (TUC) spokesman met with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in Abuja on Friday, where he formally presented former Obi campaign supporters who had resolved to work with the APC and mobilise support for the president’s re-election bid.
The meeting was attended by leaders of Obidient groups from the Middle Belt and North-Central regions, social media influencers, representatives of about 100 support groups, professional bodies, journalists, religious leaders, and Igbo Obidient representatives from the North and South-East.
Speaking during the meeting, Balami said the group had taken time to reflect on its political experience since the 2023 election and had decided to support President Tinubu’s administration.
“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,” he said.
Balami said the structure represented members who contributed to Peter Obi’s more than six million votes in the 2023 presidential election, adding that the group was now committed to helping Tinubu secure more support in 2027.
“Those who delivered more than six million votes to Peter Obi in 2023 have resolved to work towards delivering 12 million votes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
He also claimed that many members of the Obidient Movement experienced neglect and lack of recognition despite the sacrifices they made during the 2023 campaign.
According to him, several supporters invested personal resources, abandoned their families and travelled across the country to promote the Obi/Datti campaign but felt their efforts were not adequately appreciated.
Other leaders at the meeting echoed similar concerns, alleging that they were not properly recognised within the movement and said they were ready to return to their communities to mobilise support for the APC.
Welcoming the delegation into the APC and the Renewed Hope Movement, Seyi Tinubu thanked the group for its support and described their decision as an indication of confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership.
He assured them that the APC movement was open to everyone and promised that members would be treated fairly.
“Our movement is inclusive, and everyone will be treated fairly. You have joined us because you believe in building a better Nigeria,” Seyi Tinubu said.
He also praised Balami for his efforts and urged the new APC supporters to remain committed, saying the administration would continue working towards improving the country.
Seyi Tinubu highlighted some policies and projects of the Tinubu administration, including infrastructure development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic reforms, fuel subsidy removal and the implementation of the new national minimum wage.
The move marks another political realignment ahead of the 2027 elections, as former supporters of Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign continue to take different positions on Nigeria’s political landscape.
