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 State if he had been contacted.
Baba-Ahmed made the clarification while responding to criticism over his recent comments that none of the presidential hopefuls seeking to succeed President Bola Tinubu in 2027, including Obi, has the capacity to fix Nigeria.
Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, Baba-Ahmed said his decision to belong to a different political party from Obi had not affected their personal relationship.
“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 also referred to the recent incident in Benue State, where Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by thugs while attempting to travel to Yelwata on a humanitarian visit.
Demonstrating what such a conversation could sound like, he 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.”
The comments followed backlash over Baba-Ahmed’s earlier interview with Seun Okinbaloye on 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 included Obi, who was his running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed responded, “Yes, including Peter Obi.”
The remarks drew criticism from some Obi supporters, who questioned why Baba-Ahmed would say Obi lacked the capacity to fix Nigeria after jointly contesting the 2023 presidential election with him.
In his latest comments, however, Baba-Ahmed sought to separate his assessment of Obi’s political capacity from their personal relationship, stressing that his criticism should not be interpreted as a breakdown in their relationship.
He maintained that despite their political differences, he still regards Obi as his boss.