Why Peter Obi’s Supporters Are Simply Not Enough On Their Own To Make Him President – Bashir Ahmad

Bashir Ahmad, former spokesperson to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has responded to criticism from some netizens after he posted photos of himself with Peter Obi in Daura, Katsina State. Obi had on Wednesday, July 16, visited the home of former President Buhari to pay his condolence visit a day after the former President was laid to rest. While in Daura, he ran into Bashir who is one of his strongest critics online. Later in the day, Bashir shared photos of himself and Obi together. Many Nigerians believed to be supporters of Obi had knocked him for posing for a photo with the same politician he has constantly criticized. Reacting to the backlash, Ahmad in a post shared recounted how he met Obi and stated that it was only civil for him to have taken a photo of the politician who had come to the home of his former boss to pay his condolences. He opined that the Obidients, name for Obi’s supporters, are making it hard for Obi to build a broader coalition for him to become president with the constant hounding of anyone who is not a supporter of the politician. His post reads: My meeting with @PeterObi in Daura 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 the 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. 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. 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.