Former Deputy Campaign Manager of the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign, Isaac Balami, on Friday led a delegation of former members of the Obidient Movement to a meeting with President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, in Abuja, where they declared their support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Balami, who joined the APC after the 2023 general elections, said he left the Labour Party because of what he described as a lack of purposeful leadership within the party. He said the delegation comprised professionals, conveners of support groups, community leaders and former members of the Obidient Movement from different parts of the country.

According to him, those present included leaders of Obidient groups from the Middle Belt and North Central, representatives of about 100 support groups, social media influencers, professional associations, journalists, religious leaders and representatives of Igbo Obidient groups from the North and the South-East.

Addressing the gathering, Balami said many members of the delegation had played active roles in Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign but had decided to align with the APC following what they alleged was neglect and a lack of recognition within the Obidient Movement.

He said the group would now work to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“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 political structure to you today. These are people who worked extensively for Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election. Today, they have resolved to support President Bola Tinubu and work towards delivering 12 million votes for him in the 2027 election,” Balami said.

Several members of the delegation also alleged that they were sidelined within the Obidient Movement despite their contributions during the 2023 electioneering campaign.

They claimed they invested personal time and resources in the campaign but received little recognition, adding that they had now resolved to support the APC ahead of the next general elections.

Responding, Seyi Tinubu welcomed the delegation into what he described as the Renewed Hope Movement and thanked them for expressing confidence in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

“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,” he said.

He urged the new entrants into the APC to remain patient, assuring them that the administration would continue implementing policies aimed at improving the country’s economy and living standards.

Seyi Tinubu also highlighted initiatives of the Federal Government, including infrastructure development, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), economic reforms, the removal of fuel subsidy, the implementation of a new national minimum wage and other programmes, which he said were designed to reposition the country for sustainable growth.