Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide and staunch loyalist of late President Muhammadu Buhari, has clarified his recent meeting with Peter Obi, a 2027 presidential aspirant, at Buhari’s home in Daura, Katsina State.
The meeting occurred on Wednesday, a day after the former military Head of State was laid to rest, as Obi was among the prominent politicians paying condolence visits to the bereaved family.
After the visit, Ahmad, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), posted pictures of himself in conversation with Peter Obi, leading to backlash from “Obidients” (Obi’s supporters).
Read Also: What Buhari Told Me When I Visited Him In 2022 – Peter Obi
In a post titled “My meeting with @PeterObi in Daura,” Ahmad explained that during their discussion, Peter Obi asked him for his support and also commented on the vast agricultural land available in Northern Nigeria.
Ahmad’s explanation aimed to address the criticism he received from Obi’s supporters online.
“When I arrived at Baba’s residence this morning, 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.
“Interestingly, Mr. Obi told me something I recently posted on Twitter. I smiled and continued down the row to greet others. Moments later, @YunusaTanko 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 office.
“There was no talk of politics or pictures until much later, when he was about to leave. Coincidentally, I 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 expressed surprise and disappointment that after he posted photos of his encounter with Peter Obi on social media, he was met with attacks from Obi’s supporters, known as the ‘Obidients.’
He had anticipated criticism, if any, to come from within his own party (APC) for interacting with an opposition leader, but instead faced a backlash from Obi’s fanbase.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“With such supporters who are only experts in bullying, gatekeeping, and intolerance, it is hard for Mr. Obi to build the broad coalition necessary for him to become President. His supporters 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.”
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
