Former Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign, Isaac Balami, on Friday led a delegation of former Obidient Movement leaders and supporters to meet with Seyi Tinubu in Abuja, where they declared support for President Bola Tinubu's re-election ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Balami, who joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) after the 2023 general elections, said he left the Labour Party over what he described as a lack of purposeful leadership.
The delegation included professionals, conveners of support groups that backed Peter Obi's 2023 presidential bid, social media influencers, journalists, religious leaders, and representatives of Obidient groups from different parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, Balami said the group had decided to align with the APC after years of dissatisfaction with their treatment in the Obidient Movement.
He claimed the political structure he presented to Seyi Tinubu contributed more than six million votes to Peter Obi in the 2023 election and pledged to mobilise 12 million votes for President Tinubu in 2027.
"It is exactly three years since I left the Labour Party with my political structure. We have remained patient throughout that period, but now we believe it is time to work fully for the APC and support President Bola Tinubu," Balami said.
He added that members of the group believed their contributions during the 2023 campaign were not recognised or rewarded, prompting their decision to join the ruling party.
Several leaders of the former Obidient support groups also alleged that they experienced neglect and unfair treatment during the Obi/Datti campaign. They said they would return to their communities to mobilise support for the APC ahead of the next general election.
Responding, Seyi Tinubu welcomed the delegation into the APC and the Renewed Hope Movement, assuring them of equal treatment within the party.
He thanked the group for supporting President Tinubu and for recognising what he described as the administration's achievements.
"Our movement is inclusive, and everyone will be treated fairly. You have joined us because you believe in building a better Nigeria," he said.
Seyi Tinubu also highlighted initiatives of the Tinubu administration, including infrastructure projects, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic reforms, fuel subsidy removal, the implementation of a new national minimum wage and other government programmes.
