Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide is of the opinion that the ‘Obidients’ will stop Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) chieftain from becoming president.
Ahmad aired his opinion on Wednesday in a post on his official X account after meeting with Obi during the Fidau prayers for Muhammadu Buhari, the late former president in Daura, Katsina State.
“My meeting with Peter Obi in Daura: When I arrived at Baba’s residence this morning (Wednesday), many dignitaries were already seated at the place reserved for the prayer session. I first went to greet Mallam Mamman Daura, then moved on to greet Atiku Abubakar, who was sitting beside him. Next was Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and then Mr. Peter Obi, who was sitting on the same chair with Mallam,” Ahmad wrote on X.
“Interestingly, Mr. Obi told me something I recently posted on Twitter. I smiled and continued down the row to greet others. Moments later, Yunusa Tanko didn’t realize I had already greeted his boss, so he pointed me out again.
“I moved closer, and Mr. Obi again offered his condolences on Baba’s passing and told me he admired my loyalty to Baba even after leaving the office.”
Ahmad said that there was no talk of politics or pictures until much later, when Obi was about to leave but coincidentally, the former had stepped outside to receive other visitors.
“We stood for a few moments. In a lighthearted tone, Mr. Obi said I should come and support him and he also mentioned how he had seen vast land for agriculture on the road coming to Daura,” Ahmad explained.
“To my surprise, when I posted our pictures, his supporters, the so-called “Obidients,” as usual, launched the attacks on me. Frankly, I had expected the criticism to come from within my party for taking pictures with an opposition leader. Good that my party members understand the situation and we don’t politicize everything.
“I would like to even make it clear that I didn’t visit Peter Obi, he came to us and he did so out of respect for President Buhari, and there was nothing political about our brief exchange, it was purely a humane, respectful moment during a time of mourning.”
According to Ahmad, with such supporters who are only experts in bullying, gatekeeping and intolerance, it is hard for Obi to build the broad coalition necessary for him to become president.
He said the supporters of the former governor of Anambra State are simply not enough on their own to make him president and worse still, they attack, block and harass those who might otherwise be willing to help him do so.
Meanwhile, the LP presidential candidate in the 2023 election had earlier revealed why he missed Buhari’s burial.
Obi could not attend Buhari’s burial ceremony on Tuesday but was present at the Fidau prayer for the deceased in Daura on Wednesday.
Explaining his reason for his absence at Buhari’s burial, Obi wrote in a post on his official X account: “Yesterday morning, after a condolence visit to the family of the late Awujale of Ijebuland in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, I tried to be in Daura, Katsina State to attend the burial of our late President Muhammadu Buhari, but all my efforts proved abortive, due to the logistical challenge beyond my control.
“I immediately sent a message to a member of late President Buhari’s family explaining my situation. He graciously replied that it was quite understandable, and I made a promise to come today.
“Today, accompanied by Senators Ireti Kingibe, Okey Ezea, and Obidient National Coordinator Dr. Tanko Yunusa, I was in Daura with Vice President Shettima, Former Vice President Atiku, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Radda of Katsina, Governor Zulum of Borno State, and many other dignitaries, to pay our last respects to the late President Muhammadu Buhari and to console his family.
“I recall vividly meeting with President Buhari in 2022 during my campaign. He said to me: “Peter, you seem to be everywhere and loved by the people. And I wish you the best, please, if you win, do not forget the poor.”
Obi said that moment has been the thought he has had since the news of his demise, adding that Buhari’s concern for the poor should remain a reminder to everyone.
“May the Almighty God, who has called both our late President and the Awujale of Ijebuland to eternal rest, grant them peace, and comfort their families and indeed our dear nation, as their passing is a deep loss to Nigeria. May their legacies of service and dignity never be forgotten,” he concluded.
“President Buhari has always comported himself in a dignified manner as a leader. To his wife, children, extended family, and to all Nigerians, I extend my deepest condolences,” Obi wrote on X.
“May Almighty Allah, Most Gracious and Most Merciful, forgive President Buhari’s shortcomings, reward his efforts in service to the nation, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”
