Bashir Ahmad: Peter Obi Joked About Support at Buhari’s Fidau in Daura
Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, clarified his encounter with Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi during the Fidau prayer for Buhari in Daura, Katsina, on July 16, 2025. Ahmad described their initial exchange as courteous, with Obi noting a recent post Ahmad shared on social media and praising his loyalty to Buhari.
Later, as Obi was leaving, he jokingly said, “I should come and support him,” referencing the vast farmlands he saw en route to Daura, as Ahmad recounted in a statement titled “My Meeting with @PeterObi in Daura.”
Ahmad wrote: “When I arrived at Baba’s residence this morning, many dignitaries were already seated for the prayer session. I first greeted Mallam Mamman Daura, then Atiku Abubakar, who was sitting beside him. Next was Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and then Mr. Peter Obi, who sat 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. @YunusaTanko didn’t realize I had already greeted his boss, so he pointed me out again. I moved closer, and Mr. Obi once again offered his condolences and said he admired my loyalty to Baba, even after leaving 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, and in a lighthearted tone, Mr. Obi said I should come and support him. He also mentioned the vast land for agriculture he saw while coming to Daura.”
Ahmad expressed frustration at the backlash from Obi’s supporters, known as Obidients, after sharing their photos online, expecting criticism from his own APC party instead. He emphasized: “I would like to make it clear that I didn’t visit Peter Obi – he came to us out of respect for President Buhari. There was nothing political about our brief exchange. It was purely a humane and respectful moment during a time of mourning.” Ahmad warned that such “bullying, gatekeeping, and intolerance” could hinder Obi’s 2027 presidential bid.
Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, in London, with his burial held in Daura on July 15. Obi, unable to attend due to flight restrictions, visited for the Fidau prayer the next day.
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