- Safiu Kehinde
Bashir Ahmad, former Digital Media aide to late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed reason why the 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cannot become Nigeria’s President following their encounter at the Buhari’s residence in Daura, Katsina State.
NPO Reported that Obi had yesterday paid a condolence visit to Buhari’s family after his controversial absence at the funeral of the former President on Tuesday.
The former Anambra state governor would meet Bashir at his principal’s residence with the duo exchanging pleasantries before taking pictures.
Bashir’s picture with Obi had however seen the ex-Presidential aide come under fire from Obi’s supporters who trolled him for his past criticism of the Labour Party’s 2023 Presidential candidate.
As against claim that he approached Obi, Bashir in a post on his X handle on Wednesday evening held that the LP Presidential candidate was the one who approached him.
This, he maintained, was not politically motivated but borne out of Obi’s respect for Buhari.
He however disclosed that the former Anambra governor alleged asked him to support his presidential ambition as he mentioned seeing how vast land along Daura which he claimed to be suitable for agriculture.
“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.” Bashir said.
The ex-Presidential aide thereafter noted that the hostility of the members of the Obidients movement will dent Obi’s chance of building broad coalition necessary for him to become the President.
“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.” Bashir added.