A social commentator, convener of the Obidient Youth Ambassadors and a member of the Presidential Campaign Council of Labour Party in the 2023 election, Pastor Ambassador Aswald Amaechi Ikaegbu, has opined that former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, lost one of his strongest allies during the 2023 general elections due to what he described as a culture of ingratitude and poor leadership within the Obidient movement.

In a detailed commentary, Oswald described the experience of aviation expert and entrepreneur, Isaac Balami, as one of the “most underreported tragedies” of the 2023 Labour Party presidential campaign.

According to him, Balami played a critical role in sustaining Obi’s campaign, contributing significantly in logistics, funding, and strategic coordination. He noted that Balami, who served as National Deputy Campaign Manager for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Council, was instrumental in ensuring the candidate’s nationwide mobility and operational efficiency.

Oswald claimed that Balami deployed personal and corporate resources through his company, 7 Star Global Hangar, to maintain campaign aircraft and facilitate movement across the country. He further alleged that Balami procured five Toyota Prado Land Cruisers and two additional jeeps for campaign operations, fueling and maintaining them throughout the campaign period across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory without reimbursement.

The commentator also stated that Balami made personal financial sacrifices, including selling aviation assets and committing his life savings to support the campaign. He added that Balami covered the cost of campaign flights for himself, his team, and security escorts, while also providing security support in volatile regions, particularly in northern Nigeria.

Oswald further claimed that Balami’s decision to align with Obi came at significant personal and professional risk, including losing high-level patronage linked to the administration of late President Muhammadu Buhari and facing potential backlash as a Northern Christian supporting a southern candidate.

Highlighting his influence, Oswald said Balami helped expand the Obidient movement’s reach in northern Nigeria, mobilizing youths, professionals, and security personnel, while lending institutional credibility as a former President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

The commentary also referenced the late Doyin Okupe, who served as Director-General of the campaign, alleging that he too was abandoned despite significant sacrifices made for the movement.

Oswald contrasted Obi’s leadership style with that of President Bola Tinubu, stating that while Tinubu is known for rewarding loyalty among his allies, Obi allegedly failed to acknowledge or retain key contributors after the elections.

He argued that the treatment of Balami reflects a broader systemic issue within political movements that fail to recognize the contributions of their members, warning that such tendencies could undermine long-term cohesion and credibility.

Oswald maintained that Balami’s eventual departure from the movement should not be seen as betrayal but as a justified decision based on self-worth and professional integrity.

He also criticized supporters of the Obidient movement who, according to him, have attacked Balami, stating that many were not actively involved in the campaign’s groundwork.

The commentator concluded by urging political leaders to prioritize recognition, respect, and engagement with loyal supporters, stressing that sustainable movements are built on institutional memory and appreciation of sacrifice.

Oswald, a preacher and advocate for good governance, said his views are rooted in his interest in democratic values, institutional integrity, and leadership accountability.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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