OBASANJO PAYS SURPRISING VISIT TO REMI TINUBU AFTER CRITICIZING TINUBU’S POLICIES
former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo visited First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to extend his greetings during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The visit, which occurred on Monday, June 17th, was publicized by Busola Kukoyi, a media aide to Mrs. Tinubu, through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Kukoyi shared photos of the meeting and noted, “Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Senator Oluremi Tinubu after receiving the Former President who came felicitating on the Sallah Celebration.”
This meeting is particularly noteworthy given the political context preceding the 2023 presidential election. Obasanjo had endorsed Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, over Bola Tinubu, the former governor of Lagos and the eventual victor of the election. Obasanjo had praised Obi for his character, experience, and energy, deeming him the most capable of addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Despite Obasanjo’s endorsement, Tinubu won the election, defeating both Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Tinubu was inaugurated as President on May 29, 2023. Obasanjo’s visit to the First Lady marks a rare public appearance, as he has often been absent from state functions attended by other former leaders.
Recently, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned Obasanjo’s criticism of the current administration’s handling of economic reforms and the coup d’etat in Niger Republic. Obasanjo had criticized President Tinubu’s implementation of necessary policies, such as the removal of petroleum subsidies and the floating of the naira, arguing they were poorly executed.
In response, APC National Director Bala Ibrahim dismissed Obasanjo’s criticisms, labeling him a serial critic and suggesting his remarks exhibited symptoms of senility.
Obasanjo, who first served as Nigeria’s Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as President from 1999 to 2007, remains a significant figure in Nigerian politics. His visit during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations underscores the importance of unity and reconciliation in the nation’s political landscape, despite ongoing political tensions.
