By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Isaac Fayose has reaffirmed his support for Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, just one day after publicly threatening to withdraw his support and campaign for President Bola Tinubu.
The controversy began when Fayose was seen in a viral video meeting with Seyi Tinubu, the President’s son, and businessman Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, in Abuja . The trio was seen praying for President Tinubu, themselves, and the nation.
The meeting sparked criticism from some Obi supporters, who questioned Fayose’s loyalty. In response, a visibly angry Fayose fired back at his critics in a video on Friday.
“I can withdraw my support for Peter Obi,” Fayose declared. “Do you people know how much I spent on Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign? I met Seyi Tinubu and people started complaining. Has Peter Obi ever appreciated me? If I want, I can start campaigning for President Tinubu. I’m a Yoruba man, and I love President Tinubu and his son,” he said .
However, just hours after his outburst, Fayose revealed that Obi had called him . In a Facebook video posted Friday night, Fayose confirmed the telephone conversation.
“Four hours ago, my leader, Peter Obi called me,” Fayose said. “His Excellency said ‘sorry about your wife. I’m in Lagos tonight or tomorrow morning, I will be in your house'” .
True to his word, Obi visited Fayose at his Abuja residence on Saturday . Sharing a video of the visit on his Instagram page, Fayose welcomed Obi and reaffirmed his support.
“It’s not every day the President comes to your house,” Fayose said. “Our incoming president. So shall it be, in Jesus’ name” .
Addressing his critics directly, Fayose declared: “For you others abusing me, you can see now, I am 100 per cent Obidient. So you better be Obidient. We are together, and we are winning” .
Responding to the controversy, Obi suggested that many of those attacking Fayose online were not genuine supporters of his movement.
“Half of the people that abuse you, they don’t follow us,” Obi said. “What they do, when they hire people, they carry them, call them all sorts of names” .
The former Anambra governor also emphasised that he welcomes criticism and believes it is essential for good leadership.
“My people will tell you one thing: the one thing I take is criticism,” Obi said. “You can never be annoyed with anybody for saying I did something wrong. Anytime you have any reason to criticise, and when we are not doing what is right, please, I want to hear that I am wrong. It is important that we do that”.
Obi added that effective leaders must remain open to learning and be willing to admit mistakes.
“If he doesn’t, he shouldn’t lead. He should just go, because he thinks he knows everything,” Obi said. “And if you know everything, you are an idiot. You shouldn’t be a leader. A listener, a learner, always”.
Despite his earlier frustration, Fayose confirmed that his political support remains with Obi and his vision for Nigeria.
“I love Tinubu’s family but Nigeria belongs to Nigerians and they are saying enough is enough,” Fayose said. “It’s time for change”.
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