Isaac Balami, the former deputy campaign manager for the Peter Obi‑Datti presidential ticket, said that President Bola Tinubu has proven him wrong on the very issues that once drove his opposition.
Speaking on Arise News, Balami explained that his decision to leave the Obidient Movement and rejoin the All Progressives Congress (APC) in July 2024 stemmed from the Labour Party’s internal leadership crisis and what he described as its failure to offer a credible future for Nigeria.
Defending His Move
Balami rejected accusations of betrayal, insisting that his 2022 exit from the APC was a voluntary, costly choice and that he should be free to return without vilification, just as the party accepted his earlier departure.
He recalled personal sacrifices made at that time — walking away from presidential aircraft contracts, abandoning a Dubai university project, and turning down lucrative offers — to answer a call from Middle Belt leaders who wanted his expertise.
Equal Treatment of Defections
The former campaign aide argued that political defections should be judged the same regardless of direction. He pointed to his publicly documented contributions to the Obi‑Datti campaign and questioned why his return to the APC draws criticism while his earlier exit was met with no hostility.
Balami said the two core reasons behind his 2022 departure — the killings of Christians in Borno State and the marginalisation of ethnic nationalities — have been substantially addressed by the Tinubu administration. He cited progress such as local government autonomy, the recruitment of forest guards, and greater inclusion of previously overlooked communities.
He concluded that acknowledging an opponent’s proof of error is not a sign of weakness, and his return to the APC is motivated by principle rather than personal gain.
About the Author
