Isaac Balami, a former Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign, has explained that he returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) because he believes President Bola Tinubu has addressed the issues that made him leave the party in 2022.
The aviation entrepreneur and youth advocate said he left the Labour Party and the Obidient Movement after deciding they lacked the structure and direction needed to achieve their goals. He also said his view of Tinubu changed after watching the President’s performance in office.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, Balami said he had opposed Tinubu’s presidential ambition because of the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and what he saw as the neglect of minority ethnic groups. However, he said recent developments convinced him those concerns were being addressed.
“I just left because there was a reason why I left the APC. There were two major reasons. I am a Christian from Borno State, and you saw the killings against Christians over the years. Then, the issue of the marginalisation of ethnic nationalities.
“So why should I remain in a place where I see no future, when the person I castigated, insulted and fought has proven me wrong?”
Balami said returning to the APC was not a betrayal of the Obidient Movement, adding that he freely left the party in 2022 and had every right to return.
He blamed the Labour Party’s leadership crisis and poor organisation for its inability to protect its votes during the 2023 election, saying, “We failed Nigerians. We couldn’t defend the votes. Common agents, we couldn’t raise; we couldn’t pay the agents. We went to court and we had no Form EC8As because we had no agents.”
Balami praised Tinubu’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, local government autonomy, forest guard recruitment, NELFUND and youth appointments. He described them as steps toward long-term development.
“In the history of democracy since 1999, there’s no president that has supported and been fair to ethnic nationalities in Nigeria like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
He admitted many Nigerians are facing economic hardship but argued the reforms are necessary and will deliver lasting gains. Balami also denied returning to the APC for personal benefit, saying he has received no appointment or government contract since rejoining the party.
“There is nothing wrong if you are angry with somebody for a particular reason, and the person has proven you wrong. What is wrong in humbling yourself and saying, ‘You are right, now we can work together?’”
He urged Nigerians, especially young people, to judge the Tinubu administration by its policies, reforms and achievements rather than political sentiment, saying he believes it will leave a stronger foundation for future generations.
