A former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has predicted that several interests within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would feel sidelined if the former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar secures the ticket.
He also predicted that the party may suffer internal crisis and defections after its convention ahead of the 2027 presidential election, citing a clash of interests within the party.
Baba-Ahmed made the predictions on Tuesday during his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, saying Atiku is likely to emerge as the party’s presidential candidate, a development he believes could trigger a mass exodus of members.
“ADC will bleed after its convention because almost certainly Vice President Atiku Abubakar will get the ticket. When he does, some people will walk out,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He noted that the ADC currently hosts several high-profile political figures whose competing interests are likely to clash once the party begins selecting its presidential candidate.
Baba-Ahmed also commented on former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, suggesting that his political approach may not be compatible with the dynamics of a competitive party primary.
“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 said. “But now they are telling him, ‘Join the queue. You’re not the only one with ambition here.’”
He added that Obi is used to being adopted as a consensus candidate rather than competing against multiple aspirants.
