A former spokesperson of the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may experience internal turmoil and possible defections following its convention ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Baba-Ahmed made the assertion on Tuesday while appearing on Politics Today, a current affairs programme on Channels Television.
He said the party is likely to face serious internal strains if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as its presidential candidate.
According to him, the ADC currently accommodates several influential political figures whose interests may collide during the process of selecting a flag bearer.
He also argued that Atiku’s anticipated emergence would leave some party members feeling marginalised, prompting them to exit the party.
“Once the ticket is decided, particularly if Atiku gets it, many interests within the party will feel shut out. That could lead to people walking away,” Baba-Ahmed said.
He further added that the situation could worsen because the ADC is gradually becoming a coalition of political heavyweights, each with strong ambitions for the presidency.
Baba-Ahmed also spoke on the political posture of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, suggesting that he may struggle to adjust to a competitive primary process within the ADC.
He noted that Obi appeared more accustomed to being adopted as a consensus candidate rather than engaging in a crowded contest.
“Peter Obi is used to being presented as a flag bearer rather than contesting in a convention where everyone must queue and compete,” he said, adding that such expectations could further complicate internal party dynamics.
The former NEF spokesman cautioned that unless the ADC carefully managed its internal processes and ambitions, the party could emerge from its convention weakened rather than strengthened ahead of the 2027 polls.
