ADC may fracture if Atiku Clinches 2027 ticket -Baba Ahmed

ADC may fracture if Atiku clinches 2027 ticket — Baba-Ahmed

 

Former Special Adviser on Political Affairs to the Vice-President, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may witness a wave of defections if former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Baba-Ahmed spoke on Tuesday while featuring on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television, where he expressed concern over the party’s internal cohesion.

According to him, Atiku is strategically positioned to secure the ADC presidential ticket once the party conducts a national convention.

“If the ADC goes to convention — and it certainly will, because that is what Atiku wants — he will most likely get the ticket,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He noted that such an outcome could trigger mass exits from the party, as several key figures currently in the ADC harbour similar presidential ambitions.

“A lot of people are in that party for the same reason — they want the ticket. Once it goes to one person, many will walk away,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed further observed that the situation could be complicated by the expectations of Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State, who is also believed to be eyeing the ADC presidential ticket.

He said Obi’s posture suggests a preference for consensus candidacy rather than competitive primaries.

“One of the issues is that Peter Obi is not there for number two. He believes he should fly the flag,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“But his supporters are now telling him to join the queue, that he is not the only one with ambition.”

The former adviser argued that Obi is more accustomed to being adopted rather than contesting party conventions.

“Peter Obi does not do convention. He usually goes to be anointed,” he said.

He warned that a convention victory for Atiku could severely weaken the party.

“The ADC will bleed after its convention. If Atiku wins, as is most likely, some people will walk out, and the party will be badly damaged,” Baba-Ahmed concluded.