ADC Faces Internal Crisis Risk if Atiku Wins 2027 Presidential Ticket, Baba-Ahmed Warns
Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has issued a stark warning about potential internal turmoil within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) should former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secure the party's presidential nomination for the 2027 general elections. Baba-Ahmed's cautionary remarks came during a Tuesday interview on Channels Television's Politics Today program, where he analyzed the coalition-backed party's internal dynamics and the competing ambitions of its prominent figures.
Atiku's Strong Position and Potential Exodus
According to Baba-Ahmed's assessment, Atiku Abubakar is exceptionally well-positioned to emerge as the ADC's flagbearer once the party conducts its national convention. "If ADC goes to convention, and it certainly will, because that's what former Vice President Atiku wants, he will get the ticket," Baba-Ahmed stated unequivocally during the televised interview.
He elaborated that this development would likely trigger a significant departure of aggrieved aspirants and their supporters from the party. "And then, a lot of people will walk out because a lot of people are in that party only for the same thing. They want the ticket," Baba-Ahmed explained, highlighting the competitive nature of political ambitions within the ADC.
Clashing Ambitions and Peter Obi's Political Approach
Baba-Ahmed argued that the ADC currently accommodates several high-profile political actors whose interests are destined to clash once the presidential candidate selection process begins in earnest. He specifically addressed the political posture of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, suggesting that Obi's approach does not align well with highly competitive party primaries.
"One of the reasons Peter Obi is saying, 'Look at me, I'm not here for number two, I'm not here for convention, I'm here to fly the flag,' is that he has people who were initially whispering politely to him," Baba-Ahmed observed. "But now they are saying, 'Join the queue. You're not the only one with ambition here.'"
He further characterized Obi as being more accustomed to being adopted as a consensus candidate rather than contesting against multiple aspirants in a conventional primary process. "Peter Obi doesn't do convention. He just goes there to be anointed," Baba-Ahmed remarked, warning that such expectations could significantly fuel tension within the ADC's ranks.
Potential Destabilization of the Coalition
Baba-Ahmed concluded his analysis with a sobering prediction about the potential consequences of the party's convention outcome. "So, the ADC will bleed after its convention because almost certainly former Vice President Atiku will win the ticket, and when he does, some people will walk out," he stated, emphasizing the risk of destabilization for the broader coalition.
The former presidential adviser's comments shed light on the complex internal dynamics facing opposition parties as they prepare for the 2027 electoral cycle, particularly regarding managing competing ambitions among prominent political figures seeking presidential nominations.
