Mixed reactions have trailed the visit of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi and his running mate Datti Baba-Ahmed to Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
According to a report by The Nation, Gumi, played host to the Obi and Datti at his residence in Kaduna on Monday.
Sharing photos on his verified Twitter page, Obi said: “Dr Datti Baba-Ahmed and I stopped by for a courtesy call on Sheikh Gumi at his official residence in Kaduna.”
The visit generated flurry of reactions on social media.
Gumi, a medical doctor and retired military officer, is the current ‘Mufti’ and ‘Mufassir’ at the Kaduna Sultan Bello Central mosque.
In times past, the cleric has been accused of ‘sympathising’ with bandits, who have brought untold hardship on families and communities through their violent onslaught, kidnappings for ransom and mindless killings.
Many faulted Obi’s visit while his supporters (Obidients) argued in favour of their candidate.
Reacting, @ManlikeIcey said: “We called out General Eneche to be removed from from the PCC because of his denial of Lekki Massacre, we must equally condemn Peter Obi for meeting Gumi a well known bandits negotiator, we must not defend what’s barbaric”.
@TheoAbuAgada tweeted: “At least, nobody will troll PDP supporters with picture of Atiku and Gumi again. Saint Obi meets alleged Terrorist (According to his supporters).”
Buchi Labs argued: “There’s no way you can defend Peter Obi visiting Gumi. It’s very annoying and sad.”
@_Asiwajulerry said: “Same people that called Sheikh Gumi a National threat are now singing his praises because Peter Obi took pictures with him. Nigeria Politics is a dirty game.”
Defending Obi, @novieverest said: “Peter Obi is contesting to be president of Nigeria as a whole. He will dialogue with everyone, even the ones you feel are your enemies. Sheikh Gumi isn’t the only Nigerian Peter Obi will meet that you won’t like. He will meet every Nigerian. Thank you.”
