Datti Baba-Ahmed: Peter Obi Remains My Boss Despite Party Split

Former Labour Party running mate clarifies he maintains personal ties with Obi while taking neutral stance on 2027 presidential contenders.
During the 2023 election cycle, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed functioned as Peter Obi's running mate. He has since moved to clarify recent statements concerning his relationship with the former Anambra State governor.
On the Naija Unfiltered Podcast, Baba-Ahmed addressed controversy stemming from remarks that questioned whether major presidential aspirants possessed adequate leadership capacity—specifically regarding contenders in the 2027 election. Baba-Ahmed emphasized that joining a different political party and assessing candidates' qualifications do not indicate animosity toward Obi.
He described the NDC's presidential flagbearer as his "boss" and confirmed that their personal bond persists. The former running mate stated he might have rendered assistance to Obi following a disturbance in Benue State, had the former governor contacted him directly.
This demonstrates how their partnership remains intact despite their current positions in separate political movements. In an earlier discussion, Baba-Ahmed claimed that no major challenger to President Bola Tinubu possessed sufficient ability to improve Nigeria's situation.
He subsequently furnished additional justification for this stance, describing it as rooted in fairness and neutrality rather than hostility toward any particular contender. He reaffirmed his opposition to giving undeserved support to rivals of the sitting administration.
Baba-Ahmed's statements about the electoral sphere drew critical responses. One commentator labeled his recent positions as internally inconsistent, drawing comparisons to rhetorical habits linked with Obi.
Through reasserting his connection with Obi while claiming his present political independence, Baba-Ahmed appears navigating the strain between historical partnership bonds and his new party affiliation within Nigeria's fractured opposition terrain.
Sources
- Naijanews — Why I Won’t Promote Peter Obi, Atiku Against Tinubu – Datti Baba-Ahmed
- Politics Nigeria — I Could Have Helped Obi in Benue — Datti Baba-Ahmed
- Sun Nigeria — Peter Obi is my boss – Datti Baba-Ahmed clarifies controversial remarks
- Leadership Newspaper — Datti Baba Ahmed And Clasping Onto Straws
- Naijanews — Peter Obi Knows I Could Have Helped Him Out In Benue – Datti
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