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Former Labor Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and businessman Isaac Fayose have put aside their recent differences after the former Anambra State governor visited 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 criticized Obi, accusing him of not appreciating the efforts and sacrifices made by some supporters of the Obidient Movement during the 2023 presidential election campaign. Fayose had even suggested that he was reconsidering his loyalty to the movement over what he described as a lack of recognition.
Visit signal reconciliation
In a video shared on his Instagram page, Fayose appeared happy to receive Obi, describing the visit as a special moment and expressing optimism about the former governor’s political future.
“It’s not every day that the President comes to your house. Our incoming president. So it shall be, in the name of Jesus,” Fayose said.
The businessman also took the opportunity to hit back at those who criticized him following his earlier remarks against Obi.
“For you others who abuse me, you can see now that I am 100% obedient. So you better be obedient. We are together and we are winning,” he said.
His comments represented a sharp departure from his previous position and signaled that the misunderstanding between the two 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 responsible leadership.
According to him, many of those who insult Fayose online are not actual members of the Obidient Movement, but individuals seeking to create division.
“Half the people who abuse you, they don’t follow us. What they do, when they hire people, they bring them with them, they call them all kinds of names,” Obi said.
He argued that leaders should never become hostile towards criticism, but should instead welcome it as an opportunity to improve.
“My people will tell you one thing: the only thing I accept is criticism. You can never be angry with someone who says I did something wrong,” Obi added.
He also appealed to supporters and associates to always point out his mistakes whenever necessary.
“Whenever you have reason to criticize, 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 requires humility
Obi stressed that no leader should presume to have all the answers, stressing that humility and continuous learning are qualities of effective leadership.
“If he doesn’t, he shouldn’t lead. He should just walk away, because he thinks he knows everything. And if you know everything, you’re an idiot. You shouldn’t be a leader. A listener, a learner, always,” he said.
The former governor said leaders must remain open-minded and willing to learn from others regardless of their position or experience.
The previous criticisms spark the debate
Before Saturday’s meeting, Fayose had openly expressed disappointment with Obi, claiming that he had dedicated a lot of time and personal resources to the Obidient Movement during the 2023 elections without receiving any recognition.
Among his claims were that he made his hotel available to supporters and contributed in other ways to the campaign effort, but felt neglected 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 put an end to the disagreement, with Fayose publicly reaffirming his loyalty to the Obient Movement and expressing renewed confidence in Obient’s future political aspirations.
