Bashir Ahmad, former spokesperson for the late President Muhammadu Buhari, has responded to criticism from some online users after sharing photos with Peter Obi in Daura, Katsina State.
On July 16, Obi visited Buhari’s residence to offer condolences following the former president’s passing a day earlier. During the visit, Obi met Ahmad, one of his vocal online critics. Later that day, Ahmad posted photos of himself with Obi, prompting backlash from Obi’s supporters, known as Obidients, who criticized him for posing with a politician he frequently opposes.
In response through a post on X, Ahmad explained that it was a courteous gesture to take a photo with Obi, who was visiting his former boss’s home to pay respects. He argued that the aggressive reactions from Obidients could hinder Obi’s efforts to build a wider coalition needed for a presidential bid.
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".
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com