Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, paid a courtesy visit to businessman Isaac Fayose at his Abuja residence on Saturday, July 18, 2026. The meeting came less than 24 hours after Fayose released a video criticizing Obi for neglecting him despite his consistent support during the presidential campaign.
Fayose's Public Outburst and Online Backlash
Fayose's public outburst was triggered by intense criticism from Obi's supporters, who slammed the businessman for sharing a video of himself hanging out with Seyi Tinubu and offering prayers for President Bola Tinubu. Defending his actions against online critics, Fayose asserted his right to freedom of association. He highlighted that despite dedicating his hotel in Ibadan to Obi’s campaign efforts, the former Anambra State governor had never acknowledged his contributions or extended a formal thank-you.
Swift Reconciliation Visit
In a swift reconciliation move, Obi visited Fayose's residence on Saturday. A video posted on Fayose’s social media platforms captured both men engaging in a warm, light-hearted conversation. When asked about the online backlash during the meeting, Obi downplayed the actions of the trolls, suggesting that many of those orchestrating the online attacks were not genuine followers of his political movement.
“Half of the people that abused you don’t follow us. What they do is hire people to call others all sorts of names,” Obi said.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy began when Fayose shared a video of himself with Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, which drew criticism from Obi’s supporters. Fayose, who had been a vocal supporter of Obi during the 2023 presidential election, felt betrayed by the backlash and accused Obi of failing to acknowledge his support. The meeting on Saturday appears to have resolved the tension, with both parties showing mutual respect.
