RismadarVoice Reporters
September 8, 2026
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has described his former running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, as his brother and political ally despite their differences over the direction of Nigeria’s politics.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said political disagreements would not destroy the relationship he built with Baba-Ahmed, who served as his running mate on the Labour Party ticket in the 2023 presidential election.
His position followed recent comments by Baba-Ahmed expressing doubts about the ability of any individual, including prominent opposition figures, to single-handedly address Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Idris Zekeri, spokesman for the Peter Obi Media Office, Obi said he did not believe Baba-Ahmed intended to portray him as incapable of rescuing Nigeria.
“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,” Obi said.
He recalled their shared political journey, stressing that Baba-Ahmed had once stood beside him as a running mate and partner in the campaign for a better Nigeria.
According to Obi, while Baba-Ahmed was entitled to his present political views, their differences should not turn them into enemies.
“He remains my brother and my ally. In my view, none of this is sufficient to diminish our brotherhood,” he said.
Obi added that Nigeria’s challenges had affected citizens in different ways and that the country needed reconciliation and mutual understanding rather than further division.
“What Nigeria needs now is not deeper resentment among brothers but reconciliation, mutual understanding, and people prepared to place the nation above personal grievances,” he said.
The former Anambra governor expressed hope that he and Baba-Ahmed would eventually sit together again, not as political opponents or former allies, but as brothers committed to Nigeria’s progress.
He said the country’s current difficulties could be frustrating and capable of pushing people into despair or provoking unexpected statements, but expressed optimism that the situation would eventually change.
“Nigeria’s circumstances are deeply frustrating and can bring people to despair or prompt unexpected remarks, but this period will certainly pass as a new Nigeria emerges, which is possible,” Obi said.
