"Only Obidients Can't Make Obi President" - Bashir Ahmad Breaks Silence on Viral Photo With Peter Obi, Calls Out Intolerance

 

Bashir Ahmad, former personal assistant on new media to the late ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has responded to waves of criticism trailing his recent photograph with Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. The photo, taken during Obi’s condolence visit to Daura following Buhari's passing, ignited a storm of reactions, particularly from Obi’s supporters on social media.

The visit, which took place on Wednesday, July 16, brought together a number of high-profile figures at the residence of the late former President. Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and respected elder statesman Mallam Mamman Daura.

Peter Obi, who paid his respects to the Buhari family, reportedly ran into Bashir Ahmad during the gathering. Despite the tension that might be expected between two political figures who have been on opposing sides of several online debates, both men greeted each other cordially.

Ahmad took to social media later that day to post photos of the brief encounter, expecting, perhaps, a minor reaction. What followed, however, was a barrage of criticism, not from his political allies, but from some of Obi’s most vocal supporters, widely referred to as "Obidients." These individuals accused Ahmad of hypocrisy, pointing to his history of criticisms aimed at Obi and questioning the motive behind the shared image.

In response to the outrage, Ahmad issued a detailed statement clarifying the circumstances of the meeting. He described the gathering as a solemn moment during which political differences were rightly set aside. According to him, the photograph was not planned or politically motivated, but rather a product of a civil and respectful encounter between two individuals brought together by grief.

Ahmad recounted his arrival at the late President’s home, where he began greeting dignitaries already seated. After greeting Mamman Daura and Atiku Abubakar, he moved on to greet el-Rufai and then Obi, who was seated nearby. He noted that Obi even referenced a recent tweet he had made, indicating that the former governor follows him online.

The encounter remained brief and courteous. Later, when Obi was about to depart, he lightheartedly encouraged Ahmad to support his political journey. He also made a remark about the expansive agricultural land he had noticed while traveling through Katsina, adding a moment of levity to the otherwise solemn occasion.

Ahmad said he expected criticism from his own political base for associating with an opposition figure but was surprised that the backlash instead came from Obi’s supporters. He noted that his own party members were understanding and recognized the context of the event. He emphasized that no political discussions were held, and that Obi's visit was purely a mark of respect for Buhari, not a campaign opportunity.

He expressed disappointment in what he described as the hostile behavior of many Obidients, warning that their tendency to alienate potential allies through online bullying could pose a significant obstacle to Obi’s broader political ambitions.

Ahmad argued that building a winning coalition requires tolerance, outreach, and the ability to bridge political divides. He said Obi's supporters appear to be counterproductive to that mission by attacking anyone who does not openly support their candidate.

“There was nothing political about our brief exchange,” Ahmad reiterated, stressing that the encounter was rooted in mutual respect at a time of mourning. He further stated that such humane interactions should not be politicized or weaponized, especially when national unity and decency are at stake.

He concluded by highlighting the importance of cultivating political maturity, stating that being open to dialogue and respectful engagement, even with critics or opponents, is a necessary part of leadership.

The incident has since sparked fresh conversations about the tone and conduct of political engagement in Nigeria, particularly on social media platforms where partisanship and tribalism often overshadow discourse. While Obi himself has yet to comment on the situation, the episode has underscored the challenges of balancing fervent grassroots support with the strategic diplomacy required for national leadership.

As Nigeria gears up for future elections, moments like this remind the public and politicians alike of the importance of empathy, maturity, and the need to keep national interests above personal or party loyalties.