IBADAN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – A video of former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo vacating his seat and placing Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi on it, is causing controversy on social media.
The move has been considered as symbolic by supporters of Obi known as “Obidients”
Both statesmen were at an event recently and, just before leaving, Obasanjo gave a short speech then elevated Peter Obi by placing him on his seat, and the moment was caught on video.
The video begins as Obasanjo is rounding up his speech, saying, “… the president of Nigeria…” while looking in Peter Obi’s direction.
As another guest at the event starts walking towards Labour Party’s presidential Candidate Peter Obi’s seat, Obasanjo tells the guest, “leave him o. Leave him,” eliciting laughter from other guests.
Obasanjo then goes to the former Anambra State Governor who stands from his seat and shakes hands with the elder statesman.
Obasanjo continues holding Obi’s hand and then leads him to his own seat.
After placing Peter Obi in his seat, Obasanjo then walks away, saying: “Ehen, my job is done.”
Obasanjo exits the venue immediately after that.
A Twitter user, Joseph Onuorah who shared the video in Friday morning said: “In the presence of the establishment – Obasanjo placed OBI on his own seat and said “My Job is Done”
“This is very momentous endorsement by the Elder statesman.
“Nigerian youths – The ball is in our courts. Lets go make @PeterObi President to fix Nigeria 🇳🇬!!!”
@chukwuemekaokeh said Obasanjo’s act is what it takes to be a good leader.
“This is what it takes to be a Leader in every ramifications of it. OBJ knows that OBI would be the best option for Nigeria and he is not ashamed to work for it.
“These the quality of conversations we should be having and not one laced in unnecessary ethnic and religious pitches.”
Another tweep, The Noble said: “OBJ is tirelessly working for a new Nigeria. Just like people tend to get closer to God in their old age, he is almost obsessed with having Obi be the next President of the FRN to right the wrongs. Obj has done noble, I have come to love him.”
@Ebzodunlami said a new Nigeria is about to be birthed.
“Who will not be proud of the person of Peter Obi, Obasanjo dragged him to come and sit on his chair as he was about to leave. A fresh air is brewing , a new Nigeria is about to be birthed. Nigerians resist Agbado and Mikano at all cost.”
Reacting to the video, Afamdeluxo tagged Peter Obi the incoming president.
“Former President Olusegun Obasanjo place Peter Obi on his seat saying my job is done. Peter Obi is the new order and incoming President of the Federal Republic of 🇳🇬.”
@victorisrael_ tweeted: “Obidients come and see the most wholesome and most symbolic endorsement in the history of Nigerian politics. This is so beautiful. Obasanjo is on the side of Peter Obi. God bless Nigeria”
There have been speculations that the ex-president supports the former governor of Anambra state.
On 14 June, a Twitter account operating with the name of Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour party, as a bundle of integrity.
“He is not a saint but among politicians in Nigeria today, Peter Obi is a bundle of integrity,” the post, which is accompanied with a picture of both politicians, read.
That same month, the Chairman of Dialogue Group, Mahdi Shehu, said that the former President’s visit to prominent personalities in the North, is to sell his candidate, flag bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi in the North ahead of the 2023 elections.