Social commentator and businessman, Isaac Fayose, has made a dramatic reversal in his stance towards the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, describing him as Nigeria’s “incoming president” during a visit by the former Anambra State governor to his residence on Saturday. The development comes just days after Fayose publicly criticised Obi for alleged ingratitude and threatened to withdraw his support over what he described as a lack of appreciation for his contributions to the Obidient Movement during the 2023 presidential campaign. Sharing a video of the visit on his Instagram page, Fayose warmly welcomed Obi and expressed confidence in his presidential ambition. “It’s not every day the President comes to your house. Our incoming president. So shall it be, in Jesus’ name,” Fayose said. Addressing those who had criticised him over his earlier comments, Fayose declared his renewed loyalty to 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 added. Responding, Obi downplayed the online attacks directed at Fayose, insisting that many of those criticising him were not genuine members of the Obidient Movement. “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. The former Labour Party presidential candidate also stressed the importance of constructive criticism, saying leaders must be open to correction. “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. “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. Obi further argued that effective leadership requires humility, continuous learning and a willingness to admit mistakes. “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 said. The meeting appears to have eased tensions between the two men following Fayose’s recent outburst, in which he accused Obi of failing to acknowledge his support during the 2023 electioneering campaign. Fayose had claimed he made personal sacrifices for the Obidient Movement, including making his hotel available to supporters, but never received appreciation from Obi, prompting him to question his continued support before Saturday’s reconciliation.
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