The visit, which took place over the weekend, attracted considerable public attention, with large crowds reportedly turning out to receive the former Anambra State governor.
Images and videos from the event quickly spread across social media, fueling discussions about Obi’s influence and acceptance in the South-West.
Reacting to the development, Nigerian businessman Isaac Fayose weighed in on the public response that greeted Obi in Ibadan...READ FULL STORY; FROM THE SOURCE.
Fayose, who is the younger brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose, used the occasion to criticise Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Igboho over his earlier position concerning Obi’s presence in the city.
According to Fayose, previous remarks suggesting that Obi’s visit might not be welcomed in Ibadan appeared to have been contradicted by the atmosphere observed during the event.
He pointed to the turnout and the apparent enthusiasm of attendees as evidence that public sentiment in the state may differ from earlier claims made by some individuals.
In comments that quickly circulated online, Fayose urged social media users to share video clips from the visit, questioning why the reception seemed warm despite earlier objections. His remarks triggered a wave of reactions, with supporters and critics offering contrasting views on the significance of the event.
While some commentators interpreted the turnout as a sign of Obi’s growing political reach beyond his traditional base, others cautioned against drawing broad conclusions from a single appearance, noting that Nigeria’s political landscape remains complex and often unpredictable.
Beyond addressing the controversy surrounding the visit, Fayose also spoke on broader national issues, particularly the state of the economy.
He criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), attributing the current economic hardship faced by many Nigerians to policies implemented under its administration.
Fayose argued that rising costs of living, inflation, and economic uncertainty have placed increasing pressure on citizens across the country. He suggested that these challenges are contributing to a growing sense of frustration among the population.
Looking ahead, he also made projections about the potential political consequences of the current economic situation. According to him, if economic conditions do not improve, the APC could face significant challenges in the 2027 general elections.
He noted that voter sentiment, particularly in the South-West, could shift depending on how effectively key issues such as unemployment and economic stability are addressed.
