2027: Obi Steps Up Humanitarian Visits During Ramadan, Breaks Fast with Muslims
*Obi/Datti campaigns says it’s not campaign but show of love
Chuks Okocha in Abuja
In what appears as a subtle campaign for the 2027 presidential election, a former governor of Anambra State and Labour Party presidential candidate in the February 25, 2023 election, Peter Obi, might have commenced campaigns ahead of next polls as he has stepped up his humanitarian gestures during the ongoing ramadan.
But while Obi has upped his subtle campaign preparatory to2027, his party, the Labour party, is embroiled in leadership struggle as the National Chairman, Julius Abure, who is seeking reelection has been in a battle with party stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
However, Obi’s new style has been to visit mosques to donate items to them during this Ramadan period, and in some cases, breakfast with the Muslims.
On Monday, a viral video, Obi was seen dining with Muslims in a Nasarawa mosque, a development that has become a talking point on X.
In the video, the ex-Anambra governor was seen eating rice from a ‘takeaway’ plate and spoon-feeding a boy in the mosque while other congregants gathered around him watching.
But the Chief Spokesman of the Obi/Datti Campaigns, Dr. Tanko Yunusa, has said Obi’s visit to some mosques in the north was to show that he was not a religious bigot as alleged during the last presidential campaigns by some people.
“Some people in some quarters described and called him a bigot because he did not visit the mosques. So, he chose this period of Ramadan to solidarise with the Muslims during the Ramadan as this period is a time to show love. This is what he is doing and not campaigns,” Tanko Yunusa said.
Obi, who never visited or entered a mosque during his last presidential campaign, which he lost to President Bola Tinubu, appeared to have begun a subtle campaign for the 2027 polls.
During last year’s campaign, he toured several churches to garner support for his presidential aspiration but he lost most of the votes in the North.
Burt he is now touring mosques to attempt to woo them to his side ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He is believed to be using the hunger in the land to sway the northerners to his side.
He was at the Barkin-Iku Suleja, Niger State Central Mosque, located along the Suleja-Kaduna road on Wednesday.
While inside a mosque, Obi offered aid to about 100 individuals and broke the Ramadan fast with about 1,000 individuals, and shared a meal with the Muslim community.
The former Presidential candidate posted photos of his visit to the mosque on his X handle.
He wrote: “In continuation of my nationwide tour of identifying and sharing with the Muslim faithful during this sacred Ramadan season, I made a stop at the Barkin-Iku Suleja Niger State Central Mosque, located along the Suleja-Kaduna road in Niger State.
“It was a privilege to offer aid to about 100 individuals, break the Ramadan fast with about 1000 individuals, and share a meal with the devout Muslim community, fostering a spirit of togetherness and solidarity, while also addressing a critical societal need by installing a borehole.
“During this visit, I had the honour of listening to a Tafsir by the Chief Imam, who revealed the pressing needs of the community that has been deprived of a basic necessity for over three decades—a reliable source of clean water.
“I am thankful that this act of support was able to meet their need for the last 30 years and exemplify the core values of our movement—empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to uplifting the lives of all citizens, regardless of creed or background.
“As we continue our journey, I am reminded of the profound significance of unity and compassion, especially during this holy month. Together, let us strive to build a nation, where the basic needs of every community are met, and where the spirit of generosity and understanding prevail,” he said.
