A group of former campaigners for Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election has formally declared support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group, named Batified Obedients, made the announcement on Wednesday, October 21, during an international press conference in Abuja, which also served as the official launch of its platform.
Group's Leadership and Membership
The keynote address was prepared by its National Coordinator, Adesina Fagbenro-Byron, a former Director of Operations in the Obidient Movement. It was delivered by Deputy National Coordinator Fabian Ozoigbo Chukwudoruo, who previously served as Head of Logistics on the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council. The group says it draws members from all 36 states of the federation.
Fagbenro-Byron's address explained that the group originally backed Obi out of a shared desire for good governance, security, and inclusive development. However, reflecting on the 2023 campaign experience, the group raised concerns about talent management, diversity, and how internal conflicts were handled, adding that a large pool of volunteer professionals was never properly utilised.
Reasons for the Switch
The Batified Obedients said they still respect those who remain with Obi and the Labour Party, but they speak on behalf of professionals within the former campaign who have now made a different political choice. The group cited ongoing economic reforms as a key factor in their decision.
They specifically pointed to the Electricity Act, the Supreme Court's ruling affirming local government financial autonomy, the introduction of student loans, growth in local fertiliser production, and the decentralisation of military formations as positive steps. Fagbenro-Byron also expressed interest in seeing through the infrastructure projects being led by Ministers David Umahi and Festus Keyamo, and the solid minerals reforms under Minister Dele Alake. The group extended its endorsement to Vice-President Kashim Shettima, describing him as someone who has shown a capacity for teamwork.
Strategy and Questions Posed
The group's strategy going into 2027 includes reaching out to former colleagues and undecided voters, with a focus on states where the opposition performed strongly in 2023. It described its identity as rooted in loyalty to Nigeria, being "Obidient" to the demand for good governance, and "Batified" in recognition of the competence it believes is needed to rebuild the country.
The group also posed seven questions to Nigerians touching on fuel subsidy policy, Ways and Means financing, electricity generation, import dependence, local government funding, the previous tax system, and the practice of concealing economic problems from the public. Additionally, the group called on all tiers of government to create a credible social register across every local government area, so that social welfare programmes can reach the most vulnerable Nigerians.
In a related development, Legit.ng earlier reported that a fresh wave of defections hit the NDC on Saturday, October 11, 2026, as a former APC leader from Kumbotso LGA joined the party. Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NDC's Vice Presidential Candidate, hosted the defecting official at his Kano residence, signalling growing momentum for the NDC ahead of 2027.
