Former social media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, has narrated his recent meeting with former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi.
Naijaonpoint reports that Bashir had met Obi at the residence of Buhari in Daura, Katsina State, when the former Labour Party presidential candidate came to pay a condolence visit to the family of the late President.
Bashir Ahmad had post images of himself and Peter Obi on his X handle with the caption, “We sincerely appreciate Mr. @PeterObi for finding time to visit Daura to condole with the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to us. We wish him a safe journey back home.”
However, some alleged supporters of Peter Obi slammed Bashir for meeting and discussing with the former presidential candidate, with some calling him an hypocrite.
Clarifying was transpired between them, Ahmad, in a statement titled ‘My meeting with Peter Obi in Daura’, described Obi’s supporters as experts in bullying, gatekeeping and intolerance.
He stated that Peter Obi’s 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.
His statement read: “When I arrived at Baba’s residence this (Wednesday) 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, 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.
“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.”