ADC risks internal crisis if Atiku clinches 2027 ticket, Baba-Ahmed warns
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former special adviser on political affairs to the vice-president, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could be thrown into crisis if Atiku Abubakar secures the party’s presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 elections.
Baba-Ahmed made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television.
According to him, Atiku is strongly positioned to clinch the ADC ticket once the party convenes a national convention.
“If the ADC goes to convention — and it will, because that is what former Vice-President Atiku wants — he will emerge as the candidate,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He argued that such an outcome could trigger defections, as several members of the party are pursuing the same ambition.
“Once that happens, many people will leave. A lot of those in the party are there for one reason — to get the ticket,” he added.
Baba-Ahmed noted that the presence of multiple high-profile politicians within the ADC has heightened internal tension, as their presidential aspirations are bound to collide.
He said the situation could become more complicated by the expectations of Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state, whom he described as unwilling to settle for a secondary role.
Baba-Ahmed said Obi’s posture reflects pressure from supporters who initially encouraged him quietly but are now insisting he compete openly.
“They are now telling him, ‘Join the queue. You are not the only one with ambition here,’” he said.
The former presidential adviser argued that Obi is more familiar with being selected by consensus than participating in competitive primaries.
“Peter Obi does not go for conventions. He goes to be anointed,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He concluded that an ADC convention would likely leave the party weakened, insisting that Atiku’s emergence as candidate would almost certainly lead to internal fractures and defections.
