Peter Obi’s Political Journey: A Stormy Precipice
Peter Obi’s political journey is currently facing significant challenges, as internal discord within the Labour Party (LP) threatens to undermine his presidential aspirations for 2023.
The foundation that once supported his ambitions now appears unstable amid growing turmoil.
In light of these developments, Engineer Isaac David Balami, a former Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi/Datti ticket, provided insight in an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria’s Segun Adeyemi.
Balami candidly discussed the reasons for his exit from the Labour Party, revealing a landscape of shifting loyalties and undisclosed realities.
Was There a Fallout Between You and Obi?
“No, no, nothing. We didn’t fight. I just realized it wasn’t going to work. I’ve had multiple meetings—some lasting four hours—whether in his home, in London, or elsewhere. Some meetings were even publicly canceled. It became clear to us, the middle-belters, that we had to speak out. I initially joined the campaign at the behest of middle-belt elders while I was in Dubai setting up a university.
After the former administration’s actions deeply affected me, I returned to Nigeria. Leaving the APC was a significant decision; I calculated losses of over 17 to 20 million US dollars. I left for change because everyone sought something new after the dissatisfaction with the Buhari administration, which left many unhappy, even within the APC.
While in the Labour Party, if our actions didn’t align with our messages, why waste our time? At times, it felt like the LP was becoming worse than the PDP and APC. As a representative of the middle belt—a region rich with diversity and over 200 ethnic nationalities—I had to stand up for my people.
This administration has shown equity, as evidenced by the 40 federal appointments from regions like Southern Kaduna and Benue State, highlighting advancements for minorities that haven’t been seen in the last 25 years.
For the first time, our people successfully harvested crops and returned to irrigation farming. Security has also drastically improved, addressing grievances from the previous government. President Tinubu is actively considering state policing and local government autonomy, which aligns with our principles.
Perceptions of Peter Obi’s Leadership
Some believe Peter Obi exhibits negligence and weakness akin to former President Muhammadu Buhari. However, I feel it is premature to assess Obi’s character or leadership.
The Pursuit of Power: A Wasted Effort?
Regarding Obi’s ongoing quest for power, I believe he is squandering his and others’ time. There are essential actions to take, yet I see little progress. It’s not about resorting to violence or fraud; even basic operational structures are lacking.
Political entities like the PDP seem to be reactive rather than proactive, and I tire of wasting my time in this cycle. As a youth leader from Maiduguri, I’ve been politically active since my youth, and I recognize when efforts lead to stagnation.
Returning to the APC, I pray for the wisdom to contribute positively to my people and Nigeria at large. Criticism is inevitable, but dialogue is necessary.
Young Person Inclusion in Government
During the build-up to the 2023 elections, I advocated for youth inclusion in government. The Labour Party was once at the forefront of this cause, yet I found it necessary to leave the party.
Speaking about it might seem scandalous, and I prefer to avoid bitterness. My upbringing as a northerner instilled respect for my former leaders. However, I must express my disappointment; after losing the election, there was no call for a team meeting to address what went wrong or strategize for the future.
Despite the enthusiasm from party members to regroup and build, no meetings were held. It raises questions about our sincerity; we cannot mislead the public.
Criticism Over Ideological Shifts
Critics question my political ideology due to my transition from APC to Labour. Yet, political figures like Atiku have also switched parties. Obi himself left APGA, which he vowed never to abandon, only to move to PDP and then Labour.
For me, the crux lies in the moral and principled approach to these shifts. If I were to leave the Labour Party for financial gain, I would deserve criticism. However, I left for the principles I uphold. My press conferences during both transitions remain available online for scrutiny.
