The Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2027 election, Mr Peter Obi, has said he will not allow political differences to destroy his relationship with his former running mate, Dr Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, describing him as a brother whose bond with him transcends politics.
Obi stated this in a response issued through the Peter Obi Media Office (POMR) following reports that Datti had included him among those considered incapable of rescuing Nigeria from its current challenges.
In a statement signed by the spokesman of the Peter Obi Media Office, Idris Zekeri Jnr, Obi said he did not believe Datti sincerely intended to portray him as unfit to lead the country, noting that their relationship was built on years of shared political struggle and mutual respect.
“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. We have shared a journey profound enough that I cannot imagine him truly viewing me in that way,” Obi said.
The former Anambra State governor recalled that Datti had stood by him as his running mate and partner in their quest to build a better Nigeria, stressing that political disagreements should not be allowed to undermine their longstanding relationship.
According to him, while Datti is entitled to his views and convictions, he would continue to accord him respect and maintain their bond of brotherhood.
“He once stood with me as my running mate, partner and brother in the struggle to build a better Nigeria. He may view me differently today, and I respect his right to hold his opinions and convictions. However, he also knows that I will never permit political differences to erase the bond of brotherhood between us,” he stated.
Obi further maintained that differences over politics and the future direction of the country should not make them enemies, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges require reconciliation, understanding and unity rather than 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 added.
The former presidential candidate expressed optimism that both men would one day sit together again as brothers committed to Nigeria’s progress, irrespective of political differences.
He also attributed some of the tensions and comments within the political space to the frustrations arising from the nation’s current situation, expressing confidence that Nigeria would eventually overcome its challenges.
“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 and moves forward,” Obi said.
The statement comes amid growing public discussion over recent comments credited to Datti regarding the depth of Nigeria’s challenges and the capacity of individuals to single-handedly rescue the country.
Source: New Telegraph
