I Fought Tinubu, But He Proved Me Wrong’ – Ex-Peter Obi Campaign Chief Makes Stunning Admission

Former Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation, Isaac Balami, has said President Bola Tinubu has changed his perception on several issues that initially prompted him to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Balami, who defected from the APC to the Labour Party in September 2022, cited concerns over the party’s Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, the killings of Christians and the perceived marginalisation of minority ethnic groups as reasons for his decision at the time.

However, he returned to the APC in July 2024, blaming the Labour Party’s prolonged leadership crisis and what he described as the party’s inability to provide a clear political direction.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Balami said he saw no reason to remain in the Obidient Movement after losing confidence in its future, adding that Tinubu had surprised him by addressing some of the concerns that shaped his earlier opposition.

According to him, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging when a political opponent has exceeded expectations, insisting that the President had “proved him wrong” on issues he once criticised.

Balami dismissed allegations that he betrayed the Obidient Movement, maintaining that his decision to leave the APC in 2022 was voluntary and came at considerable personal and political cost.

He explained that he sacrificed business opportunities and existing relationships within the ruling party because he believed in the cause he was pursuing at the time, stressing that he should equally be free to return to his former party without attracting hostility.

The former campaign official questioned why his return to the APC had generated criticism, noting that the ruling party accepted his departure in 2022 without attacking him.

Balami also defended his political decisions, saying his role in the Obi-Datti campaign was well documented and driven by conviction rather than personal interest.

Explaining why he rejoined the APC, he argued that many of the concerns that led to his exit had been substantially addressed by the Tinubu administration.

He pointed to initiatives such as local government autonomy, the recruitment of forest guards and what he described as greater inclusion of previously marginalised communities as evidence that the government had taken meaningful steps to address longstanding grievances.

While acknowledging that no administration is perfect, Balami maintained that the improvements he had observed convinced him to return to the ruling party, insisting that his decision was based on principle rather than personal gain.