ADC Will Bleed After Convention as Atiku Clinches Presidential Ticket — Baba-Ahmed Warns

• Former Northern Elders Forum spokesperson, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may face internal crisis and defections after its convention, predicting that Atiku Abubakar will emerge as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election.

A former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may be plunged into internal crisis after its convention ahead of the 2027 presidential election, as powerful interests within the party collide.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Baba-Ahmed said the ADC is already struggling to balance the ambitions of several high-profile politicians, a situation he believes could worsen once a presidential candidate emerges.

According to him, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is almost certain to clinch the party’s presidential ticket — a development he said would leave many stakeholders feeling sidelined.

“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 influential political figures whose competing ambitions are likely to clash during the convention, increasing the risk of defections and internal fractures.

Baba-Ahmed also commented on former Anambra State governor Peter Obi, suggesting that his political style may not align with the realities of a competitive party primary.

According to him, Obi appears more comfortable being presented as a consensus candidate rather than engaging in a contest involving multiple aspirants.

“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.’”

DON’T MISS: ADC Gains Momentum as Peter Obi Formalises Defection

He added that such expectations could heighten tensions within the ADC as the 2027 race approaches.

“Peter Obi doesn’t participate in convention; he goes there to be anointed,” Baba-Ahmed said, warning that unresolved ambitions and clashing interests could weaken the party before the general election.

The remarks have intensified debate over whether the ADC can effectively manage internal rivalries as Nigeria’s political landscape begins to take shape ahead of 2027.