Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has said he faced online backlash after suggesting that Peter Obi might find it difficult 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 remarks on 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,” he 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.”
Baba-Ahmed emphasized that party primaries are governed by internal democratic rules rather than personal popularity, insisting that Obi could face significant challenges if the ADC adopts a national convention to choose its flagbearer.
He had previously told Channels Television that Atiku Abubakar is well-positioned to clinch the ADC ticket if the process is convention-based.
“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.
He further questioned Obi’s preparedness for a highly competitive primary, suggesting the former Anambra State governor is less accustomed to convention-style contests 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 explained. “But now they are saying, ‘Join the queue. You’re not the only one with ambition here.’”
Baba-Ahmed also noted that Obi’s political career has largely thrived on consensus arrangements rather than open contests, warning that such expectations could create tensions within the ADC. He predicted the party could face internal crises if Atiku eventually secures the presidential ticket for the 2027 general election.
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