Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has reaffirmed his close relationship with Peter Obi, describing the former Anambra State governor as his “boss” and saying he could have assisted him during the recent incident in Benue if he had been contacted.
Baba-Ahmed made the clarification while responding to criticism over his recent statement that none of the presidential hopefuls seeking to replace President Bola Tinubu in 2027, including Obi, has the capacity to fix Nigeria.
Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, Baba-Ahmed said his relationship with Obi had remained strong despite the fact that they are now in different political parties.
“In reality, if you check what is between me and Peter Obi, and coming to the clarifications now, let me tell you: first and foremost, Obi is my boss. I still call him my boss,” he said.
He said he remained close enough to Obi to contact him directly and receive a response.
“If not because I don’t like acting, I could call Peter Obi now and on the second or third ring, he will answer. Hey, my brother Datti,” Baba-Ahmed said.
Baba-Ahmed then referred to the recent incident in Benue State, where Obi’s convoy was blocked by youths while he was attempting to travel to Yelwata on a humanitarian visit.
Demonstrating what such a conversation would sound like if he called Obi, Baba-Ahmed said, “Sir, what happened in Benue? Why didn’t you call me in Benue?”
He added: “He knows I could have helped out in Benue, even where he is now. He knows I could have helped out in Benue. My relationship with Peter is solid.”
Baba-Ahmed’s comments followed the backlash that greeted his earlier interview with Seun Okinbaloye on the Mic On Podcast, where he said Tinubu should step aside and argued that none of those seeking to succeed him in 2027 had the capacity to improve Nigeria.
When asked whether his assessment also applied to Obi, who was his running mate on the Labour Party ticket during the 2023 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed responded, “Yes, including Peter Obi.”
The statement attracted criticism from several Obi supporters, who questioned why Baba-Ahmed would say Obi lacked the capacity to fix Nigeria after they jointly contested the 2023 presidential election.
In his latest comments, however, Baba-Ahmed maintained that his assessment of Obi’s political capacity should not be interpreted as a deterioration in their personal relationship.
He stressed that despite their political differences and his criticism of Obi’s ability to lead Nigeria, he still considers the former Anambra governor his boss and maintains a strong personal relationship with him.
Source: Naija Unfiltered Podcast
