ADC Risks Internal Crisis if Atiku Clinches 2027 Ticket, Says Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser on Political Affairs in the Office of the Vice-President, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could face serious internal upheaval if former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

Baba-Ahmed made the remarks during an interview with Seun Okin on Channels Television’s programme Politics Today, arguing that Atiku is strongly positioned to secure the ADC ticket once the party conducts a national convention.

“Peter Obi doesn’t do conventions; he just goes there to be anointed,” Baba-Ahmed said. “ADC will bleed after its convention because, almost certainly, Atiku Abubakar will win the ticket, and when he does, some people might walk out.”

According to him, Atiku’s political weight and influence within opposition circles make his emergence almost inevitable if the ADC proceeds with a convention-based selection process.

“If ADC goes to convention, and it certainly will, because that’s what former Vice-President Atiku wants, he will get the ticket,” he added.

Baba-Ahmed cautioned that while Atiku’s victory at the convention may strengthen the party electorally, it could also deepen internal divisions, with dissatisfied factions possibly exiting the party in protest.