2027: Atiku Ticket Threatens ADC Unity — Obi, El-Rufai, Others to Walk Out if…

Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has highlighted potential challenges for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.

He suggested that the party could face significant internal conflict if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secures the presidential ticket.

Baba-Ahmed shared his insights during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the current dynamics within the party and the ambitions of its key figures.

He noted that Atiku appears well-positioned to become the ADC’s candidate, especially if the party organizes a national convention. Baba-Ahmed expressed concern that this scenario could lead to a notable departure of discontented aspirants and supporters from the party.

“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.”

He argued that the ADC is currently accommodating several high-profile political actors whose interests are bound to clash once the process of selecting a presidential candidate begins.

Baba-Ahmed also referenced the posture of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, suggesting that Obi’s political style does not align with competitive party primaries.

“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.’”

He added that Obi was accustomed to being adopted as a consensus candidate rather than contesting against multiple aspirants.

“Peter Obi doesn’t do convention. He just goes there to be anointed,” Baba-Ahmed said, suggesting that such expectations could fuel tensions within the ADC.

The former presidential adviser concluded that the outcome of the party’s convention could destabilise the coalition.

“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 said.