Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has rejected suggestions that his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, considers him incapable of improving Nigeria, insisting that their political differences have not broken their bond.
Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, said Baba-Ahmed remained his “brother and ally” despite their differences over the direction Nigeria should take ahead of the 2027 election.
He was responding to comments by Baba-Ahmed in which the former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate questioned whether any of the major opposition figures seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu had the capacity to rescue the country from its deep-rooted problems.
In a statement by Obi’s media spokesman, Idris Zekeri, the former Anambra governor said he did not believe Baba-Ahmed intended to portray him as unfit to lead.
“I do not believe that my dear brother Datti spoke sincerely. My relationship with him extends beyond politics,” Obi said.
He recalled their 2023 campaign, saying Baba-Ahmed had stood beside him as a running mate and partner in what they both believed was a struggle to build a better Nigeria.
Obi acknowledged that his former running mate might now hold different political views but said those differences should not erase their personal relationship.
“Despite everything that has been said, he remains my brother and my ally,” he said.
According to Obi, Nigeria’s problems should encourage reconciliation rather than deepen divisions among political allies.
“What Nigeria needs now is not deeper resentment among brothers but reconciliation, mutual understanding, and people prepared to place the nation above personal grievances,” he said.
Obi said he hoped that, regardless of their political differences, he and Baba-Ahmed would eventually be able to sit together again “simply as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress.”
He added that Nigeria’s current difficulties could lead to frustration and unexpected remarks but expressed confidence that the country could still emerge stronger.
Obi and Baba-Ahmed ran together on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election before their political paths diverged ahead of the 2027 contest.
