Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who previously served as a Special Adviser on Political Affairs in the Office of the Vice President, has issued a warning that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may experience substantial internal damage should former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerge as the party's presidential candidate for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Baba-Ahmed articulated this concern during a recent interview, suggesting that while Abubakar is strategically positioned to clinch the ADC's nomination, his victory could potentially lead to instability within the party and prompt a wave of defections.
He indicated that Abubakar would likely succeed in securing the ticket if the ADC proceeds with a national convention, a process that he believes would strongly favor the former vice-president.
"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.
He further cautioned that such a result would inevitably come at a price to the party's internal solidarity.
"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, it will be severely damaged," he elaborated.
Baba-Ahmed also pointed out that the political landscape is further complicated by the aspirations of Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, whose expectations might exacerbate existing internal tensions within the party.
"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,” he remarked.
“But now they are saying, ‘Join the queue. You’re not the only one with ambition here.’”
The former political adviser suggested that Obi's preferred method of political engagement might not align with the dynamics of a competitive primary election.
"Peter Obi doesn’t do convention,” Baba-Ahmed commented. “He just goes there to be anointed.”
He argued that in contrast to scenarios involving consensus-building, a convention-based election would significantly benefit Atiku, owing to his extensive experience, established political network, and influence within the party's structures.
Baba-Ahmed's commentary highlights the escalating concerns regarding internal conflicts within the ADC as opposition figures strategically position themselves in anticipation of the 2027 elections, raising questions about the party's capacity to manage competing ambitions without fracturing its coalition.
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