Former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign, Comrade Isaac Balami, on Friday led Obidient leaders and professionals to a meeting with the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in Abuja, where they declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Balami joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the 2023 general elections, citing what he described as a lack of purposeful leadership within the Labour Party.
The former Trade Union Congress (TUC) spokesman officially led professionals and conveners of various support groups who had worked for the Peter Obi presidential campaign to express solidarity with President Tinubu and pledge their commitment to mobilising support for his re-election bid in 2027.
Among those at the meeting were leaders of the Obidient Movement from the Middle Belt, North-Central support groups, popular social media influencers, representatives of about 100 support groups from across the country, professional associations, journalists, pastors, imams, and representatives of Igbo Obidient leaders from both the North and the South-East.
In his remarks, Balami recounted what he described as the injustices suffered by members of the Obidient Movement under the Obi/Datti Campaign Council, citing several instances. He declared that the group was now “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.
“That is why we have decided to formally present our entire Obidient structure to you today. These are the people who delivered more than six million votes to Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election. Today, they have resolved to double that figure and work towards delivering 12 million votes to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Everyone gathered here represents an active political group 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.
“Politics is driven by interests, and based on their experiences in the Obidient Movement, they believe those interests were neither recognised nor protected,” Balami said.
Leaders of the various support groups and other Obidients who also addressed the gathering alleged that they suffered neglect and unfair treatment within the movement, particularly from those they worked with during the Obi campaign.
Several of them said they would return to their respective communities with what they described as a renewed message of hope and mobilise support for the APC, urging Nigerians to “sweep away papa and mama with the broom.”
The speakers also recounted the personal sacrifices they made while campaigning for Peter Obi across the country, saying they abandoned their families, spent their personal resources and risked their health, only to receive neither recognition nor appreciation for their efforts.
Welcoming the delegation into the APC and the Renewed Hope Movement, Seyi Tinubu thanked them for their support and for what he described as recognising the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration.
“We welcome you and appreciate your support, as well as your recognition of what Asiwaju has done for the country.
“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.
“I want to especially thank Isaac Balami for the sacrifices he has made. I appeal to him and to all of you to remain patient. We will not disappoint Nigerians. Together, we can build a better country for ourselves and for future generations.”
Seyi Tinubu also highlighted what he described as key achievements of the Tinubu administration, including infrastructure development across the country and the Federal Capital Territory, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic reforms, the removal of fuel subsidy, the implementation of a new national minimum wage and other government initiatives.
(The Sun)