Obi Still My Boss, I Could Have Helped In Benue — Baba-Ahmed

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 despite their current political differences.

Baba-Ahmed made the clarification while responding to criticism over his recent assessment that none of the major politicians seeking to succeed President Bola Tinubu in 2027, including Obi, has the capacity to fix Nigeria.

Speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, the former lawmaker said his decision to belong to a different political party had not affected his personal relationship with Obi.

He said he still considers Obi his political senior and maintains enough access to contact him directly whenever necessary.

Baba-Ahmed also referred to the recent incident involving Obi in Benue State, where the former governor’s convoy was reportedly blocked by suspected thugs while he was travelling to Yelwata for a humanitarian visit.

He said Obi could have reached out to him during the incident, claiming that he would have been able to offer assistance. Baba-Ahmed added that their relationship remained strong despite their political differences.

The clarification came after criticism from Obi’s supporters over comments Baba-Ahmed made during an earlier interview with Seun Okinbaloye on the Mic On Podcast.

During that interview, Baba-Ahmed argued that Tinubu should leave office and said none of those seeking to take over from him in 2027 had demonstrated the capacity to transform Nigeria.

When specifically asked whether his assessment included Obi, who was his running mate during the 2023 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed answered in the affirmative.

The statement sparked reactions among Obi’s supporters, who questioned how Baba-Ahmed could describe Obi as lacking the capacity to fix Nigeria after jointly contesting the 2023 election with him.

In his latest comments, however, Baba-Ahmed separated his political assessment from his personal relationship with Obi. He maintained that his views about Obi’s ability to lead the country should not be taken as evidence of a disagreement or collapse in their relationship.

He also made it clear that despite their different political positions, he continues to regard Obi as his boss and remains willing to assist him when necessary.