Obi Reacts to Datti Baba-Ahmed’s Comments, Says Political Differences Won’t End Their Brotherhood

Peter Obi has reaffirmed his relationship with Datti Baba-Ahmed, saying political disagreements will not turn the former Labour Party presidential running mates into enemies.

Obi, who is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDRC) ahead of next year’s election, spoke after Baba-Ahmed recently questioned whether any of the major opposition figures seeking to defeat President Bola Tinubu had the capacity to solve Nigeria’s deep-seated problems.

Baba-Ahmed had expressed concern about the extent of the country’s systemic challenges, arguing that no individual could single-handedly rescue Nigeria.

Responding to the comments, Obi said he did not believe his former running mate intended to describe him as incapable of rescuing the country.

In a Tuesday statement by Idris Zekeri, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Office, the former Anambra State governor said his relationship with Baba-Ahmed goes beyond politics.

“I do not believe that my dear brother Datti spoke sincerely. My relationship with him extends beyond politics, and I do not believe he intended to describe me as unfit; I sincerely question that interpretation. We have shared a journey profound enough that I cannot imagine him truly viewing me in that way,” Obi said.

He recalled their time together during the 2023 presidential election, saying Baba-Ahmed had been his “running mate, partner, and brother” in their political struggle.

Obi acknowledged that Baba-Ahmed may now hold different political views but said he respected his right to his opinions.

“He may view me differently today, and I respect his right to hold his opinions and convictions. However, he also knows that I will never permit political differences to erase the bond of brotherhood between us. I will always speak of Datti with respect,” he said.

Obi added that their disagreements over Nigeria’s future would not make them enemies.

“Despite everything that has been said, he remains my brother and my ally. In my view, none of this is sufficient to diminish our brotherhood. We may differ politically, including over the direction Nigeria’s future should take, but I believe those differences will never make us enemies.”

He called for reconciliation and mutual understanding among Nigerians, arguing that the country’s challenges should not 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,” Obi said.

He also expressed confidence that his relationship with Baba-Ahmed would survive their political differences.

“Datti remains my beloved brother, and no political disagreement can change that. I believe, in my heart, that he feels the same way. The time will come when we can sit together once more, not as former allies or political adversaries, but simply as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress. Brotherhood must endure beyond politics, and I hope ours always does.”

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and Peter Obi are leading opposition figures in the race for the presidency next year.

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