The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has dismissed suggestions that his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, considers him incapable of rescuing Nigeria, insisting that their political differences will not destroy their relationship.
Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, said Baba-Ahmed remains his ally and brother despite their differing political positions ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed, who served as Obi’s running mate under the Labour Party in the 2023 election, recently expressed concern about the depth of Nigeria’s systemic challenges, arguing that the country’s problems are too extensive for any single individual to solve.
His comments were interpreted as including Obi among opposition figures he considered incapable of rescuing the country.
Responding to the remarks, Obi said he did not believe Baba-Ahmed intended to describe him as unfit to lead Nigeria, stressing that their relationship extends 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,” Obi said.
According to Obi, their shared political journey and personal relationship made it difficult for him to believe that Baba-Ahmed genuinely viewed him in such a manner.
He recalled their partnership during the 2023 presidential election, saying Baba-Ahmed had stood beside him as his running mate and partner in what they believed was a struggle to build a better Nigeria.
“He once stood with me as my running mate, partner, and brother in the struggle to build a better Nigeria. He knows that we won the election,” Obi said.
While acknowledging that Baba-Ahmed was entitled to his current political views, Obi said differences over the direction of the country should not turn former allies into enemies.
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“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,” he said.
Obi further called for reconciliation and mutual understanding among political actors, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges should encourage cooperation rather than deepen divisions.
“Despite everything that has been said, he remains my brother and my ally,” Obi said, adding that neither political disagreements nor competing visions for Nigeria’s future were sufficient to destroy their relationship.
He said the country had affected both men in different ways and that Nigerians needed leaders willing to place national interests above personal grievances.
“Why? Nigeria has wounded each of us in different ways. 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.
The former governor expressed hope that he and Baba-Ahmed would eventually be able to sit together again, not as political adversaries but as brothers who had both contributed to Nigeria’s development.
“Brotherhood must endure beyond politics, and I hope ours always does,” he said.
Obi’s comments come as opposition politicians intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, now associated with the African Democratic Congress, and Obi are among the prominent opposition figures expected to play significant roles in the race to challenge President Bola Tinubu.
Despite the emerging political realignments and disagreements among opposition figures, Obi maintained that personal relationships should survive political contests.
He concluded by expressing optimism that Nigeria’s current difficulties would eventually give way to a better future, despite the frustration and disappointment experienced by many citizens.
For Obi, the political contest may change alliances and positions, but he believes it should not erase the bonds forged in the shared pursuit of a better Nigeria.