President Bola Tinubu on Monday since he was sworn into office in May 2023 was seen in the public exchanging pleasantries and laughing with former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.
During last year’s elections, Obasanjo supported the candidacy of Peter Obi of the Labour Party, saying Tinubu was a corrupt politician and was unfit to lead the government.
Meanwhile on Monday, the duo were among the guests who witnessed the inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State for a second term in office.
The last time both leaders were seen together publicly was in the buildup to the election when Tinubu visited Obasanjo’s residence in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to seek his support.
But the former president had chosen Peter Obi instead, and when Tinubu won the election and returned to Abeokuta on a thank you trip, he shunned Obasanjo’s residence.
But on Monday, both men exchanged pleasantries and shook hands as captured in various photographs.
SaharaReporters had in September 2023 reported that Obasanjo also denied claims that he met Tinubu and would work with his government.
According to a statement, Obasanjo had said, “One, I have not seen Bola Tinubu since he visited me in my house in Abeokuta, when he was campaigning. Secondly, I was at the church and not the reception for Alake’s 80th birthday reception.”
The statement further noted that “During Tinubu’s visit to his house last year, he met the former President playing his favorite traditional game (ayo) and he started the banter, jokingly telling the former President that he was shocked to see him playing the Ayo game at that time of the day.
“Spontaneously, as he was getting up from his chair to welcome him and other accompanying visitors, Obasanjo responded: “When I don’t have job. If you are ready to give me job, I am ready to do it.”