Social commentator and businessman Isaac Fayose has pulled off a dramatic U-turn in his political stance regarding the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi. During a surprise personal visit by the former Anambra State governor to his residence on Saturday, July 18, 2026, Fayose publicly recanted his prior criticisms, openly crowning Obi as Nigeria’s “incoming president.”
The reconciliation comes barely 24 hours after Fayose released a fiery video calling out Obi for alleged ingratitude. The businessman had threatened to permanently withdraw his loyalty from the Obidient Movement, complaining that despite spending his own money and providing his hotel assets to lodge campaign members during the 2023 elections, he never received a single phone call of appreciation from the politician.
However, sharing a video of Obi’s strategic visit on his Instagram page, a beaming Fayose completely reversed his stance.
“It’s not every day the President comes to your house. Our incoming president. So shall it be, in Jesus’ name,” Fayose declared to his followers. “For you others abusing me, you can see now, I am 100 per cent Obidient. So you better be Obidient. We are together, and we are winning.”
The Power of Accepting Criticism
| Incident Timeline | Event Details |
| Mid-July 2026 | Isaac Fayose meets with Seyi Tinubu, sparking internet rumors of his defection to the APC. |
| Friday, July 17 | Fayose releases an angry call-out video slamming Peter Obi for ingratitude and lack of appreciation. |
| Saturday, July 18 | Peter Obi pays an unannounced courtesy visit to Fayose’s home to squash the feud. |
| Post-Visit Outcome | Fayose retracts his comments, declaring total allegiance to the NDC candidate for 2027. |
Responding during the meeting, Peter Obi masterfully downplayed the online bullying directed at Fayose by aggressive social media users, noting that paid internet trolls often impersonate genuine members of his movement just to stir division. The opposition leader further stressed that humility and a willingness to accept harsh feedback are the hallmarks of authentic leadership.
“My people will tell you one thing: the one thing I take is criticism. You can never be annoyed with anybody for saying I did something wrong,” Obi explained. “Anytime you have any reason to criticise, and when we are not doing what is right, please, I want to hear that I am wrong… If a leader doesn’t [listen], he shouldn’t lead. He should just go, because he thinks he knows everything.”
The rapid settlement of the dispute highlights Obi’s aggressive micromanagement of key media influencers ahead of the 2027 elections. By showing up personally on Fayose’s doorstep, the candidate effectively neutralized what could have grown into a damaging narrative of neglect within the support structure of his base.
