Why I stopped supporting Obi – Ex-Obidient seen with Tinubu cap while greeting Peter Obi

James Kitiya, a former supporter of Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, has detailed why he withdrew his support for the former Anambra State governor following a recent encounter at the Vanguard Personality of the Year Awards.

The incident gained attention after Kitiya was seen among a group of young Nigerians who approached Obi at the event venue for photographs. He was wearing a cap associated with President Bola Tinubu at the time, a detail that triggered reactions online.

While some social media users praised Obi’s calm response during the interaction, others questioned the political symbolism of Kitiya’s appearance near him.

Kitiya later confirmed he had previously worked on Obi’s 2023 campaign in Apapa, Lagos, and shared an old photograph to support his claim of past involvement.

He said Obi recognised him during the event and appeared surprised.

“When Obi saw me, he was shocked because he had seen my face before,” Kitiya said.

He also described a private meeting that reportedly took place later at Eko Hotel, where he and another individual, identified as Dr. Moses, spoke with Obi.

“Immediately we left that scene, inside Eko Hotel, the three of us sat down. I told him directly and asked him, ‘Do you know why I left?’ He didn’t respond,” he said.

According to Kitiya, he told Obi that some of his supporters in Lagos had been compromised and advised him to strengthen control over his political structure in the state.

“I told him to hold his strong supporters in Lagos. Some of his supporters in Lagos have been bought,” he said.

Kitiya added that he told Obi he would reconsider supporting him only if he broke ties with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“He asked me what he should do. I told him, ‘If you leave Atiku, I will support you.’ That was my condition,” he stated.

Explaining his departure from Obi’s camp, Kitiya said confusion over the movement’s direction led him to defect to the All Progressives Congress in Adamawa State in February.

“I told him I was confused about his approach. If I am confused, I should say it openly,” he said.