I was insulted for saying Obi can’t beat Atiku at convention – Baba-Ahmed

Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has spoken out after receiving a wave of online criticism for his analysis of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) internal dynamics. During a Thursday interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, he revisited his stance on a potential 2027 primary showdown between Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

“I did a programme two or three days ago, where I mentioned the fact that Peter Obi would lose 100 conventions,” Baba-Ahmed said. He noted the immediate backlash from supporters, adding, “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.”

Baba-Ahmed argued that political primaries are decided by internal party structures and delegate systems rather than general popularity. He suggested that if the ADC holds a national convention to select its 2027 flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar’s established political machinery would give him a decisive edge over Obi.

“If ADC goes to convention, and it certainly will, because that’s what former Vice President Atiku wants, he will get the ticket,” he stated. He further claimed that those who were previously supportive of Obi’s entry into the party are now becoming more competitive, telling him to “Join the queue. You’re not the only one with ambition here.”

The former adviser characterized Obi’s political history as being built on consensus and “anointing” rather than fierce, open primary contests. “Peter Obi doesn’t do convention. He just goes there to be anointed,” he said, warning that this expectation of a smooth path to the ticket might lead to friction within the ADC.

According to Baba-Ahmed, the current environment in the party is shifting away from a guaranteed candidacy for any one individual. He pointed out that while Obi’s supporters insist on him flying the flag, the party’s democratic process requires a level of engagement and delegate-wrangling that he believes Atiku is better prepared for.

Concluding his analysis, Baba-Ahmed predicted that the ADC could face a major internal crisis if the primary results favor Atiku. He suggested that the high stakes of the 2027 general election and the clashing ambitions of its top leaders are already creating significant tension within the newly formed opposition coalition.