Isaac Balami, who previously served as deputy campaign manager for Peter Obi's presidential bid, has announced his return to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that President Bola Tinubu's performance in office has proven his earlier criticisms wrong. Balami, who left the APC in 2022, made this known during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Wednesday, August 5.
Reasons for Leaving and Returning to APC
Balami explained that his initial departure from the APC was driven by two main concerns: the party's Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket and what he perceived as the neglect of minority ethnic groups. As a Christian from Borno State, these issues felt deeply personal to him. However, he said Tinubu's actions as president have changed his perspective.
"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 asked.
Criticism of Labour Party's 2023 Election Handling
Balami also leveled sharp criticism at the Labour Party, citing structural weaknesses that made his continued membership untenable. He specifically pointed to the party's failure to mobilize and pay polling agents during the 2023 general election, a shortfall that he said severely undermined their legal challenges to the results.
"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," he admitted.
He dismissed accusations that his party switch was a betrayal of the Obidient Movement, arguing that the same principle of freedom that allowed him to leave the APC should also permit his return without criticism.
Assessment of Tinubu's Administration
Balami cited several government initiatives as reasons for his change of heart, including the removal of fuel subsidy, local government autonomy reforms, the recruitment of forest guards, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), and the appointment of young Nigerians to government positions. He argued that these policies demonstrate a commitment to inclusion that previous administrations lacked.
"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 stated.
While acknowledging the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians under the current administration, Balami maintained that the ongoing reforms are a necessary, temporary cost for long-term development. He also refuted claims of personal gain, asserting that he has received no government appointment or contract since rejoining the APC.
"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 added.
Call to Young Nigerians
Balami urged young Nigerians to evaluate the Tinubu administration based on its policies rather than political affiliations, expressing confidence that the government will deliver measurable progress before the end of its tenure.
