When National Democratic Party (NDC) presidential candidate in next year’s presidential election, Peter Obi visited the detained former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, I criticised the visit and questioned its rationale.

My concern was not about denying El-Rufai his rights or opposing the principles of fairness and due process. Rather, I questioned the political wisdom, timing and implications of Obi’s decision to visit him, given the political history and interests involved.

I raised similar questions about Obi’s visit to Isaac Fayose. In both cases, I wanted to understand what political message these visits were intended to convey and whether they aligned with the expectations of Nigerians who support Obi’s political vision.

Now, El-Rufai has reportedly directed his supporters to vote for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at all levels in the 2027 elections. His mentor and erstwhile adversary, Atiku Abubakar, is running on that platform with former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, as his running mate.

The directive by the “Accidental Civil Servant” makes the questions I raised earlier even more pertinent. Does the directive suggest a convergence of political interests? Should Nigerians interpret these visits as acts of personal solidarity, strategic political engagement or signals of broader realignments ahead of 2027?

My earlier criticism was not an attempt to condemn Obi for showing concern for another politician. It was a call for greater clarity about the political significance of such engagements and the possible consequences for his public image and political credibility.

What do you think? In light of El-Rufai’s reported directive, do you still consider Obi’s visit an ordinary act of solidarity, or do you now see it in a different political context?

Remember that I also pointed out that nobody become president of Nigeria by sowing love to all his former adversaries and opponents. We could argue that in politics, there’s no permanent enemies but permanent interests.