Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate Datti Baba-Ahmed has said he could have assisted Peter Obi during the recent incident in Benue State if the former Anambra State governor had reached out to him.
Baba-Ahmed made the remark while explaining his relationship with Obi and responding to criticism over his recent assessment of the presidential contenders ahead of the 2027 election.
The former running mate to Obi said political differences had not damaged their personal relationship, insisting that he still regards the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate as his “boss”.
“In reality, if you check what is between me and Peter Obi, and coming to the clarifications now, let me tell you: first and foremost, Obi is my boss. I still call him my boss,” Baba-Ahmed said while speaking on the Naija Unfiltered Podcast.
He said he remained close to Obi to reach him directly whenever necessary, adding that the former governor would likely answer his call.
“If not because I don’t like acting, I could call Peter Obi now and on the second or third ring, he will answer. Hey, my brother Datti,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed was referring to the incident involving Obi during his recent visit to Benue State, where his convoy encountered an obstruction while travelling towards Yelwata.
Obi had travelled to the state for a condolence and humanitarian visit to communities affected by the deadly Yelwata attack. His media aide, Esther Umoh, had alleged that suspected sponsored thugs blocked Boko Road around the Air Force Base shortly after the NDC candidate and his entourage arrived in the state.
“We have just arrived in Benue State, where alleged sponsored thugs have blocked Boko Road by the Air Force Base, attempting to prevent Peter Obi from gaining access into the state,” aide to Obi, Esther Umoh wrote in a post on X.
An NDC chieftain at the scene also alleged that the obstruction was intended to stop Obi from reaching the affected community. He said the visit had been deliberately arranged as a condolence trip before the commencement of campaign activities in the state so that the tragedy would not be politicised.
The incident generated reactions as Obi eventually spoke about the need for unity, justice and fairness in Nigeria. He said the country could only move forward if Nigerians worked together and did what was right.
“We have no other country except this one. And we must all build this based on unity and a sense of doing the right thing,” Obi said.
It was against this backdrop that Baba-Ahmed said he believed he could have played a role in assisting Obi had he been contacted.
“Sir, what happened in Benue? Why didn’t you call me in Benue?” Baba-Ahmed said, illustrating how he would have addressed Obi over the incident.
He added, “He knows I could have helped out in Benue, even where he is now. He knows I could have helped out in Benue. My relationship with Peter is solid.”
Baba-Ahmed’s comments came after controversy surrounding his earlier statement that none of the politicians seeking to succeed President Bola Tinubu in 2027 had the capacity to fix Nigeria.
During an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on the Mic On Podcast, Baba-Ahmed had argued that Tinubu should leave office and said those seeking to replace him did not possess the capacity required to solve the country’s problems.
When he was asked whether the assessment also applied to Obi, with whom he contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party ticket, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Yes, including Peter Obi.”