2027 Elections: Peter Obi, Isaac Fayose bury differences

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and businessman Isaac Fayose have put aside their recent differences after the former Anambra State governor paid a visit to Fayose at his residence on Saturday, a meeting that ended with the social commentator reaffirming his support for Obi’s political ambition.

The visit comes days after Fayose publicly criticised Obi, accusing him of failing to appreciate the efforts and sacrifices made by some supporters of the Obidient Movement during the 2023 presidential election campaign. Fayose had even suggested he was reconsidering his loyalty to the movement over what he described as a lack of recognition.

Visit signals reconciliation

In a video shared on his Instagram page, Fayose appeared delighted to receive Obi, describing the visit as a special moment while expressing optimism about the former governor’s political future.

“It’s not every day the President comes to your house. Our incoming president. So shall it be, in Jesus’ name,” Fayose said.

The businessman also used the opportunity to respond to those who criticised him following his earlier remarks against Obi.

“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,” he stated.

His comments represented a sharp departure from his previous position and signalled that the misunderstanding between both men had been resolved.

Obi urges tolerance for criticism

Responding to Fayose, Obi urged his supporters not to attack people who express differing opinions, insisting that criticism is necessary for accountable leadership.

According to him, many of those insulting Fayose online are not genuine members of the Obidient Movement but individuals seeking to create division.

“Half of the people that abuse you, they don’t follow us. What they do, when they hire people, they carry them, call them all sorts of names,” Obi said.

He maintained that leaders should never become hostile towards criticism but should instead embrace it as an opportunity to improve.

“My people will tell you one thing: the one thing I take is criticism. You can never be annoyed with anybody for saying I did something wrong,” Obi added.

He further appealed to supporters and associates to always point out his mistakes whenever necessary.

“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,” he said.

Leadership demands humility

Obi stressed that no leader should assume they possess all the answers, noting that humility and continuous learning are qualities of effective leadership.

“If he doesn’t, he shouldn’t lead. He should just go, because he thinks he knows everything. And if you know everything, you are an idiot. You shouldn’t be a leader. A listener, a learner, always,” he stated.

The former governor said leaders must remain open-minded and willing to learn from others regardless of their position or experience.

Earlier criticism sparks debate

Before Saturday’s meeting, Fayose had openly expressed disappointment with Obi, claiming he devoted considerable time and personal resources to the Obidient Movement during the 2023 elections without receiving any acknowledgement.

Among his claims was that he made his hotel available to supporters and contributed in other ways to the campaign effort, yet felt overlooked by the former presidential candidate.

His comments generated mixed reactions, with some supporters defending Obi while others urged both men to reconcile.

Saturday’s meeting appears to have ended the disagreement, with Fayose publicly reaffirming his loyalty to the Obidient Movement and expressing renewed confidence in Obi’s future political aspirations.