Former Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has described Peter Obi as his “boss”, saying he could have assisted the former Anambra State governor during the recent incident involving his convoy in Benue State.

Baba-Ahmed made the statement while responding to criticism over his recent assessment of the politicians seeking to succeed President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview on the *Naija Unfiltered Podcast*, Baba-Ahmed said his political differences with Obi had not affected their personal relationship.

“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,” he said.

He said he remained close to Obi and could still reach him directly.

“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,’” Baba-Ahmed said.

He was referring to the recent incident in Benue State, where Obi’s convoy was reportedly blocked by thugs while he was travelling to Yelwata for a humanitarian visit.

Baba-Ahmed said Obi could have contacted him for assistance during the incident.

“Sir, what happened in Benue? Why didn’t you call me in Benue?” he said, describing what he would have asked Obi.

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 followed criticism of his earlier interview with Seun Okinbaloye on *Mic On Podcast*, where he said President Tinubu should step aside and argued that none of the politicians seeking to replace him in 2027 had the capacity to fix Nigeria.

Asked whether his assessment included Obi, his former running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Baba-Ahmed replied, “Yes, including Peter Obi.”

The statement attracted criticism from some Obi supporters, who questioned how Baba-Ahmed could describe Obi as lacking the capacity to fix Nigeria after jointly contesting the 2023 presidential election with him.

Baba-Ahmed, however, said his assessment of Obi’s political capacity should not be interpreted as a breakdown in their personal relationship.

He maintained that he still considers Obi his boss and that their relationship remains strong.