Tinubu’s performance made me dump Obidient movement — James Kitiya

By Adegboyega Adeleye

James Kitiya, a former supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has revealed that his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the former Anambra State governor was based on the performance and infrastructural development he has witnessed in Lagos State and in Nigeria over the last three years of his administration.

Kitiya defended his decision to switch political camps during his appearance on Vanguard’s podcast, The Nigerian Meter, where he praised Tinubu’s administration and gave specific reasons for leaving the Obidient movement.

He said, “The way I look at things, with the momentum Tinubu is getting, I don’t want to make a mistake for the second time. There is an 80 per cent chance that Tinubu will win the election. Go online and check for the Jagaban Frontliners.”

“If I am doing something and you recognise me and give me anything, I will collect it and work for you because for Tinubu’s own, I see the road is clear. He is working, so I will support him, and if you give me something, I will collect it, and it will add to my political struggle.”

Kitiya, who confirmed that he officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) in February 2026 in Adamawa state, further revealed that the difference between the APC and the Obidient movement is the former’s performance-based campaign strategy, while the latter relies solely on attacks, criticisms, and insults.

He, however, called on Obidients to support their candidate peacefully, without resorting to insults.

He continued, “The difference between the APC structure and the Obidient movement is that APC tries to campaign based on what they have achieved, but Obidients are known to always insult opponents. I dey among those wey dey fight people back then.”

“I am supporting Jagaban because of the work I see. They started the Coastal road. 10 minutes away from my office in Eko Atlantic. I see the road construction every morning. He (the president) is doing things, but na hunger no allow make people see am. The policies implemented are good, but I want the president to know that people are hungry. To be sincere, I will rate Tinubu 50%, which is fair,” Kitiya affirmed.

Recall that Kitiya drew attention at the Vanguard Personality of the Year Award held last Friday after he was seen among young Nigerians who surrounded Peter Obi on his arrival at the venue to greet and take pictures with him, despite openly wearing a cap associated with President Tinubu.

The video sparked reactions on social media, with many criticising him for switching political camps while others questioned his closeness to the former presidential candidate.

When asked whether he informed Peter Obi before he dumped his camp, Kitiya said he didn’t need to inform the ex-presidential candidate because Obi did not notify his followers before joining the ADC.

“My final decision was when he joined ADC. It is too late for Obi because at this time, he (Obi) does not know where he stands,” Kitiya added.

“Did he inform anybody before he joined the ADC? Because you have supporters, you think you can jump from one place to another, and we will follow you? Do you want me to carry ADC now? I will follow this one better because if you check Obi’s promises, Tinubu dey do am, but na because of the hunger. Many of the things Obi preached to people and his campaign promises….. removal of fuel subsidy.”

“Obi is a good man forever, but politically, I no go near am again because nothing will come out now,” he said.

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