Prominent former members of the 2023 Obi-Datti campaign leaders back Tinubu after defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in a major political shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Operating under the newly inaugurated political group tagged “Batified Obidients”, the faction formally unveiled its platform during an international press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, breaking away from the political base that powered the Labour Party’s third-party presidential run in 2023.
The breakaway faction is led by former senior campaign figures, including Adesina Fagbenro-Byron, the former Director of Operations and erstwhile KOWA presidential candidate, who now serves as National Coordinator. He is joined by former Head of Logistics Fabian Ozoigbo Chukwudoruo as Deputy National Coordinator, alongside prominent Labour Party figure Banwo Mayowa.
Explaining their decision in Abuja, the coordinators cited internal administrative deficiencies within Peter Obi’s political camp, whilst commending President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies as tough but necessary decisions required to lay the foundation for sustainable national development. Fagbenro-Byron confirmed that the group has completely integrated into the APC structure to mobilise votes for the incumbent’s second-term bid.
Political analysts observe that the move deepens divisions within an already fragmented opposition, coming on the heels of similar crossovers by figures such as Marcel Ngogbehei and Isaac Balami into pro-administration political groups.
However, loyalists of the mainstream Obidient Movement have dismissed the breakaway group, maintaining that the defecting coordinators do not represent the broader electorate and will have no bearing on the mass support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
