Bashir Ahmad shares his encounter after meeting Peter Obi at late Buhari's residence

Bashir Ahmad, the special assistant to late former president Muhammadu Buhari, shares details of his meeting with Peter Obi at Buhari's residence in Daura.

Bashir revealed that the former presidential aspirant had visited alongside other dignitaries to mourn and pay condolences to the late leader.

He noted that he had greeted them all and had the opportunity of speaking to Peter Obi who remarked on his impressive loyalty to Buhari, even after he had left office.

According to him, Peter Obi hadn't discussed anything politics until much later when he urged him to support him.

His words ...

"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."