Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, drew attention on Thursday after asserting that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is a “good person” whose ambitions are being hindered by those around him.
In a post on his X account, Ahmad argued that if Obi’s supporters truly wanted him to succeed, they should encourage him to step aside in the 2027 presidential race in favour of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Peter is a good person, but the people around him will never allow him to achieve his dream,” he wrote.
Ahmad criticised what he described as the “reckless content” shared by some of Obi’s associates online, suggesting that their behaviour on social media may indicate even worse counsel in private. “With this reckless content you post publicly, one can only imagine the kind of things you tell him privately,” he added.
He further stated that supporters should persuade Obi to prioritize long-term political strategy: “If you genuinely want him to succeed, advise him to sacrifice today so that others can sacrifice for him tomorrow. Tell him to come and join us; let President Tinubu complete his mandate in 2031, and then the future remains open for everyone.”
Ahmad’s remarks come amid growing political manoeuvring by figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, who are exploring ways to prevent President Tinubu from securing a second term.
