ADC’ll bleed, members will walk out if Atiku wins ticket — Baba-Ahmed
Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could face serious internal crisis if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Baba-Ahmed made the assertion while commenting on the growing political realignments and speculations around Atiku’s possible defection and ambition ahead of the next presidential poll.
According to him, imposing Atiku as the ADC flagbearer could trigger widespread discontent within the party, leading to mass defections and internal implosion.
“If Atiku gets the ADC ticket, the party will bleed,” Baba-Ahmed said. “Many members will walk out because it will signal that the party has abandoned its founding principles and internal democracy.”
He argued that ADC was formed as an alternative platform for reform-minded politicians and young Nigerians seeking a break from recycled leadership, warning that handing the ticket to a long-standing political figure could undermine that vision.
Baba-Ahmed further noted that political parties must prioritise cohesion and credibility ahead of 2027, stressing that ignoring internal sentiments in favour of political heavyweights could weaken opposition parties rather than strengthen them.
He advised ADC leaders to tread carefully in their choice of presidential candidate to avoid repeating mistakes that have fractured parties in the past.
