Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba Ahmed has revealed that he faced backlash after suggesting that Peter Obi might struggle to defeat former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a convention-based primary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed revisited his earlier comments about the internal dynamics of the ADC and the likely outcome of its presidential primary.
“I did a programme two or three days ago, where I mentioned the fact that Peter Obi would lose 100 conventions,” Baba-Ahmed said. “You’ll be amazed at the number of people who commented and insulted me and said, ‘How do these people think Peter Obi would line up behind Atiku?’ I am afraid it is a democratic process that’s how it’s done.”
He emphasized that party primaries follow internal democratic rules rather than personal popularity. According to Baba-Ahmed, Obi could face serious challenges if the ADC adopts a national convention to select its presidential candidate.
“If ADC goes to convention, and it certainly will, because that’s what former Vice President Atiku wants, he will get the ticket,” he said in a previous Channels Television interview. Baba-Ahmed argued that Obi is less experienced in convention-style contests, which often involve multiple aspirants competing on equal terms.
He also suggested that Obi’s political career has thrived on consensus arrangements rather than open contests. “Peter Obi doesn’t do convention. He just goes there to be anointed,” Baba-Ahmed said, warning that this expectation could heighten tensions within the party.
The adviser further predicted that the ADC could face internal crises if Atiku eventually secures the 2027 presidential ticket.
Leave a comment