By BONIFACE AKARAH

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has defended his former running mate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, following criticism of his fitness to help rescue Nigeria, saying political differences would not destroy their bond as brothers and former allies.

The Peter Obi Media Office, in a statement issued on Monday, September 8, 2026, and signed by its spokesman, Idris Zekeri Jnr, said Obi’s response to Baba-Ahmed’s comments was heartfelt, with the former Anambra State governor maintaining that his relationship with his former running mate extended beyond politics.

“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; I sincerely question that interpretation,” Obi said.

He recalled their shared political journey and said Baba-Ahmed knew the depth of their relationship despite their differences over the direction Nigeria should take.

According to Obi, his former running mate may have changed his views about him, but he would continue to respect his right to hold different opinions and convictions.

“He once stood with me as my running mate, partner, and brother in the struggle to build a better Nigeria. He knows that we won the election. He may view me differently today, and I respect his right to hold his opinions and convictions,” he said.

Obi said political differences would not make him turn against Baba-Ahmed, whom he described as his brother and ally.

“Despite everything that has been said, he remains my brother and my ally. In my view, none of this is sufficient to diminish our brotherhood,” the former governor said.

He argued that the current challenges facing Nigeria should encourage reconciliation and mutual understanding rather than deepen divisions among people who once worked together.

“Why? Nigeria has wounded each of us in different ways. What Nigeria needs now is not deeper resentment among brothers, but reconciliation, mutual understanding, and people prepared to place the nation above personal grievances,” Obi said.

He expressed hope that he and Baba-Ahmed would eventually sit together again, not as former political allies or adversaries, but as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress.

“The time will come when we can sit together once more—not as former allies or political adversaries, but simply as brothers who contributed to Nigeria’s progress,” he said.

Obi also acknowledged the frustration created by Nigeria’s current circumstances, saying the situation could drive people to despair or prompt unexpected remarks.

He, however, expressed optimism that the difficult period would pass and that a new Nigeria was possible.

“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—one that is possible and O-K emerges and moves forward,” he said.

The Peter Obi Media Office said Obi remained committed to speaking about Baba-Ahmed with respect despite their political differences.