ADC May Face Internal Crisis if Atiku Holds 2027 Presidential Ticket – Baba-Ahmed Warns

Baba-Ahmed warns ADC could collapse if Atiku emerges as Presidential candidate

Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has issued a strong warning that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could slide into a serious internal crisis if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Baba-Ahmed painted a picture of a party standing on fragile ground, held together by personal ambitions rather than shared ideology. According to him, the ADC is currently hosting several heavyweight political figures whose interests may collide once the race for the presidential ticket formally begins. His comments have since sparked widespread debate within political circles, especially as the ADC continues to attract prominent politicians seeking an alternative platform ahead of 2027.

Baba-Ahmed was direct and unsparing in his assessment of what lies ahead for the ADC if it proceeds to a national convention. According to him, Atiku Abubakar is strategically positioned to clinch the party’s presidential ticket if a convention is held, a scenario he believes would immediately trigger mass defections.

“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 said. 

“And then, a lot of people will walk out because a lot of people are in that party only for the same thing. They want the ticket.”

This statement highlights a deeper concern: that the ADC is currently less of a unified political movement and more of a gathering of ambitious politicians eyeing the same prize. In recent months, the ADC has gained attention as a possible coalition platform for opposition figures dissatisfied with Nigeria’s two dominant parties, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).  However, Baba-Ahmed suggested that this growing coalition may be unstable, as many of its key players are driven primarily by personal ambition rather than a shared political vision. According to him, the party is hosting “too many powerful interests” under one roof, a situation that rarely ends well once the contest for power begins. Political analysts agree that coalition parties often struggle when clear rules are not established early enough, especially regarding candidate selection. In the ADC’s case, the looming presidential primary appears to be the biggest test of its unity so far.

Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former vice president and perennial presidential contender, remains one of the most influential opposition figures in the country.  Baba-Ahmed believes Atiku’s experience, political network, and strategic positioning give him a major advantage within the ADC, especially if the party adopts a conventional primary process. “Atiku understands conventions,” Baba-Ahmed implied, suggesting that the former vice president is comfortable navigating competitive internal party politics. If Atiku secures the ticket, it would mark yet another attempt at the presidency but also potentially fracture the ADC if other aspirants feel sidelined or shortchanged.

Baba-Ahmed also weighed in on the position of Peter Obi, the former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, whose name has been linked to opposition coalition talks.
According to Baba-Ahmed, Obi’s political approach does not align well with competitive party conventions.

“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 said.

“But now they are saying, ‘Join the queue. You’re not the only one with ambition here.’”

Baba-Ahmed suggested that Obi is more accustomed to being adopted as a consensus candidate rather than engaging in fierce internal contests.

“Peter Obi doesn’t do convention. He just goes there to be anointed,” he said.

While the remark has generated mixed reactions online, it underscores a real tension within coalition politics: the clash between candidates who expect consensus arrangements and those prepared for competitive primaries.

One of the most striking parts of Baba-Ahmed’s warning is his prediction of a post-convention exodus.
According to him, once Atiku wins the ADC ticket, many aspirants and their supporters are likely to leave the party in frustration.

“So, 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,” he concluded.

This scenario is not new in Nigerian politics. History shows that parties often lose key figures after contentious primaries, especially when losing aspirants feel the process was unfair or predetermined.
If such defections occur, the ADC could lose momentum at a critical stage in the buildup to the 2027 elections.

Baba-Ahmed’s comments raise broader questions about the future of opposition politics in Nigeria.
While many Nigerians desire a strong alternative to the ruling APC, internal divisions within opposition platforms could weaken their chances. If the ADC fails to manage its internal ambitions carefully, it risks becoming another example of a promising coalition undone by power struggles.

On the other hand, a transparent and credible convention process, even if it produces winners and losers, could strengthen the party if managed properly. Since the interview aired, Nigerians on social media and political forums have been divided. Some agree with Baba-Ahmed, arguing that Atiku’s emergence would naturally push other aspirants out. Others believe strong personalities can coexist if the party leadership enforces discipline and fairness. Supporters of Peter Obi have pushed back against the suggestion that he avoids competition, insisting that his political journey reflects strategic choices rather than fear of primaries. Meanwhile, Atiku’s supporters see Baba-Ahmed’s comments as confirmation of the former vice president’s political strength and experience.

The coming months will be crucial for the ADC.
If the party hopes to remain relevant and united, it must:

• Clearly define its rules for candidate selection
• Manage expectations among aspirants early
• Promote ideology over individual ambition
• Prevent the perception that the ticket is already decided

Failure to do so could validate Baba-Ahmed’s warning of an impending implosion.
See Also... BREAKING: Peter Obi Officially Defects to ADC Ahead of 2027 Elections
Hakeem Baba-Ahmed’s prediction that the ADC could “bleed” after its convention is more than political speculation, it is a reflection of long-standing challenges within Nigerian opposition politics. As the 2027 election approaches, all eyes will be on how the ADC navigates its internal power struggles. Whether it emerges stronger or fractured will depend on how well it balances ambition, fairness, and unity. One thing is certain: the decisions made at the party’s convention could shape not just the ADC’s future but also the wider opposition landscape in Nigeria.

By Primelineinfo