A former National Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti presidential campaign in 2023, Isaac Balami, has defected from the Labour Party back to his former party, the All Progressives Congress.
Balami made the announcement at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, citing his reasons for leaving the Labour Party and returning to the APC.
Balami had initially left the APC in 2023 due to his opposition to the party’s Muslim-Muslim ticket, which featured President Bola Tinubu as the presidential candidate. However, he stated that he has been impressed by Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to inclusivity, particularly in empowering Christian Northerners and other Muslim ethnic nationalities.
Balami also expressed his disappointment with the leadership crisis and incompetence within the Labour Party, which he believed had undermined its potential to bring about positive change in Nigeria. In contrast, he praised the APC’s efforts to promote equity and fairness, and its commitment to working with the middle belt region.
He stated, “Tinubu has so far empowered more Christian Northerners and other Muslim ethnic nationalities since Nigeria returned to democracy. There is nothing that trips me like equity and fairness… No president has ever worked with the middle belt like President Bola Tinubu.”
Balami announced that he would be returning to the APC, along with his entire structure, and urged others to join him in working with the party to redeem Nigeria. This move marks a significant shift for Balami, who had previously been a key figure in the Labour Party’s campaign efforts.
