“Obidients Are the Most Toxic Political Group We’ve Ever Had” – Bashir Ahmad

Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad has criticized supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi, popularly known as the Obidients, calling them the most toxic political group Nigeria has ever witnessed. In a post on his X handle, Ahmad accused the Obidient movement of constantly insulting, dragging, and ridiculing politicians and leaders without restraint. He argued that this behavior makes it difficult for Obi to win over his political opponents or undecided voters.

Ahmad wrote that the Obidients abandon logic and reason whenever Peter Obi’s name is mentioned, resorting instead to personal attacks and insults rather than offering facts or engaging in thoughtful dialogue. According to him, the movement does not reflect the values of a healthy political organization, and their tactics of aggression and emotional blackmail cannot succeed in a diverse country like Nigeria.

Ahmad said the ruling party benefits from the Obidients’ refusal to acknowledge the harm they cause to their own movement. He claimed that even Peter Obi himself refuses to recognize the damage being done, concluding that winning elections requires persuasion and engagement, not intimidation and abuse.