Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, has publicly confirmed the family ties between his household and that of former governor Peter Obi. This clarification comes after a recent public disagreement regarding the nature of their relationship, which has been under scrutiny since September.

In an interview with BBC News Igbo, Soludo revealed that Obi's wife is the godmother of one of his children. He also noted that his own wife, Nonye Soludo, serves as the confirmation godmother for Obi’s daughter. This familial connection highlights the close friendship that exists between the two politicians, despite their differing political views.

Soludo emphasized that their disagreements are strictly political, stating, "Peter Obi and I are good friends. Our two families are on good terms." He elaborated that while they have distinct visions for the governance of Anambra State, their personal relationship remains intact. "I have a different vision of who should be governor of Anambra State. I am contesting, and he supported whoever he felt should be governor. I prevailed by the grace of God, and I don’t hold it against him," he added.

The clarification from Soludo revisits an earlier exchange initiated by Obi during the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ 22nd conference in Enugu. Obi had mentioned that he and his wife were godparents to Soludo’s children, using this relationship to counter claims of a rift between them. He stated, "My wife and I are godparents to Soludo’s children. Yes, we are that close. We are not quarrelling, and we will never quarrel."

However, the following day, a media aide to the Anambra First Lady, Daniel Ezeigwe, contested Obi's assertion. Ezeigwe clarified that while Obi's wife is indeed the baptismal godmother to one of Soludo’s daughters, it is Nonye Soludo who serves as the confirmation godmother to Obi’s daughter. He insisted that neither Obi nor Soludo had formally acted as godparents to each other’s children, suggesting that Obi’s remarks had created a misleading impression.

This exchange has sparked reactions among the public, particularly among Obi’s supporters. Ezeigwe urged them to refrain from misrepresenting Catholic practices surrounding godparenting, highlighting the importance of accurate representation in matters of faith and family.

As the political landscape in Anambra continues to evolve, the relationship between Soludo and Obi serves as a reminder that personal ties can often transcend political disagreements. Both leaders appear committed to maintaining their friendship, even as they navigate the complexities of governance and public opinion.