2027: Obi Reaffirms Bond With Datti Despite Political Differences
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his relationship with former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, describing him as his brother and ally despite their political differences. Obi, a former Anambra State governor, said Baba-Ahmed’s recent comments about his ability to rescue Nigeria would not diminish the bond they share, stressing that political disagreements should not turn former allies into enemies. In a statement issued on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Peter Obi Media Office, Idris Zekeri, Obi said he did not believe Baba-Ahmed intended to describe him as unfit to lead Nigeria. He recalled that Baba-Ahmed had once stood beside him as his running mate and partner in the struggle to build a better country. Obi said although his former running mate might now have different views, he respected his right to hold those opinions and convictions. His comments followed Baba-Ahmed’s recent expression of concern over the depth of Nigeria’s challenges, in which he reportedly argued that no single individual could rescue the country. Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, are among the prominent opposition figures expected to contest the 2027 presidential election.
Obi said political differences, including disagreements over the direction Nigeria should take, would never make him and Baba-Ahmed enemies. According to him, Nigeria needs reconciliation, mutual understanding and leaders willing to place national interest above personal grievances rather than deeper resentment among people who have worked together. He maintained that Baba-Ahmed remains his “beloved brother” and expressed hope that they would eventually sit together again, not as political adversaries or former allies, but as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress. Obi acknowledged that the country’s difficult circumstances could lead to frustration, despair and unexpected remarks, but expressed optimism that the situation would eventually change as a new Nigeria emerges. He stressed that their brotherhood should endure beyond politics, saying he believed Baba-Ahmed also felt the same way.
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