The burial of Governor Seriake Dickson’s mother in Bayelsa State earlier today saw political rivals, the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, and the Labour Party Presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, exchange pleasantries. Also present at the burial was Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who appeared to show solidarity with the PDP despite working against Atiku's ambition during the 2023 presidential election.
It was surprising to see Peter Obi and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar together, considering the former had defected from the PDP a few months before the party's primary to join the Labour Party. Obi eventually emerged as the Presidential candidate for the Labour Party and came third in the February 25th election. Seyi Makinde, on the other hand, is a member of the G-5 Governors who had demanded power shift to the South - a demand that was met with stiff resistance by the leadership of the PDP.
Many believed that the defection of Peter Obi to the Labour Party and Seyi Makinde's G-5 membership dented Atiku's ambition of becoming Nigeria's next President in 2023. However, their presence at the Governor's mother's burial suggests political rivals may be ready to put past differences and divisive politics aside for a greater cause.
The burial witnessed prominent politicians, businessmen, and community leaders from across the country. Governor Dickson's mother was an influential woman who was described as the backbone behind the governor's success. Her death deeply affected Governor Dickson and the state's political community.
While the political climate in Nigeria remains divisive, moments like this show promise for unity and a shared purpose, regardless of political affiliations. With the 2023 presidential elections already casting a shadow over current events, the show of unity between Atiku, Obi, and Makinde sends a strong message and raises hope for a united Nigeria.
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