Politics

Opposition Tensions Rise as Baba-Ahmed Says Obi Can’t Beat Atiku at Party Convention

Published

2 months ago

January 22, 2026

Peter Obi and Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

Opposition Tensions Rise as Baba-Ahmed Says Obi Can’t Beat Atiku at Party Convention

Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has revealed that he faced insults, backlash and harsh criticism after publicly stating that Peter Obi would struggle to defeat Atiku Abubakar if the African Democratic Congress (ADC) adopts a convention-style primary to pick its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking during a televised interview, Baba-Ahmed said his remarks — which he described as a realistic assessment of Nigeria’s internal party politics — triggered anger among Obi’s supporters, many of whom he accused of refusing to accept uncomfortable political truths. According to him, he was “abused and insulted” simply for expressing the view that convention politics favours experienced power brokers like Atiku.

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Baba-Ahmed argued that while Peter Obi commands massive grassroots and youth support, party conventions are often decided by delegates, internal alliances and long-standing political networks, areas where Atiku, a former Vice-President of Nigeria, enjoys a clear advantage. He warned that if ADC proceeds with a national convention — a method he said Atiku strongly prefers — Obi could “lose repeatedly” despite his popularity among voters.

The former Northern Elders Forum spokesperson also cautioned that the ADC may face internal tensions, defections or fractures if the presidential ticket is perceived as skewed toward one aspirant. He noted that several heavyweight politicians are eyeing the ticket and could react negatively to an outcome seen as predetermined.

His comments have reignited debate over the Obi–Atiku rivalry, which has increasingly defined opposition politics since the 2023 presidential election. Supporters of both camps have clashed online, exposing deep ideological and strategic divisions within Nigeria’s opposition bloc.

Reacting to the growing hostility, Atiku Abubakar recently urged supporters of all opposition figures, including Obi, to avoid insults and personal attacks, warning that internal fights only strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and weaken the chances of unseating it in 2027.

As discussions continue around coalitions, party mergers and primary formats, Baba-Ahmed’s comments highlight the core dilemma facing the opposition: how to balance popularity, internal democracy and political pragmatism in choosing a candidate capable of winning both a party primary and a national election.

With the ADC’s nomination process still unfolding, the controversy underscores the high stakes and fragile unity shaping Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of 2027.

Opposition Tensions Rise as Baba-Ahmed Says Obi Can’t Beat Atiku at Party Convention

Politics

ADC: Appeal Court Did Not Sack David Mark, Aregbesola

Published

24 hours ago

March 14, 2026

Trends Admin

National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola

ADC: Appeal Court Did Not Sack David Mark, Aregbesola

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed claims that its National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, were removed from office following a recent judgment by the Court of Appeal of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party described the reports as misleading and inaccurate, insisting that the appellate court did not make any ruling that affects the current leadership of the party.

The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, clarified that the court only addressed procedural issues in the case and did not determine the substantive dispute over the party’s leadership.

According to him, the lawsuit challenging the emergence of David Mark as National Chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as National Secretary is still pending before the Federal High Court of Nigeria and has not yet been heard on its merits.

Abdullahi explained that the Court of Appeal judgment did not grant any relief to the plaintiff and did not issue any directive affecting the leadership structure of the party.

“Having carefully studied the judgment, we wish to state unequivocally that the Court of Appeal did not determine the substantive dispute regarding the leadership of the ADC,” Abdullahi said.

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He added that the court instead directed all parties involved in the matter to maintain the status quo, meaning that the current leadership structure of the African Democratic Congress remains unchanged until the case is fully determined by the Federal High Court.

The party therefore urged members and supporters not to panic or be misled by misinterpretations of the judgment, stressing that the ruling does not affect the legitimacy or tenure of the current national leadership.

Abdullahi also noted that internal legal disputes are not unusual in political organisations, adding that such matters should not be interpreted as a collapse of the party’s leadership.

He said the ADC remains united and focused on strengthening its political structures ahead of future elections, despite what he described as attempts by “anti-democratic forces” to destabilise opposition parties.

David Mark, a former President of the Senate of Nigeria, and Rauf Aregbesola, a former governor of Osun State and former Minister of Interior, currently lead the national structure of the African Democratic Congress as part of the party’s efforts to reposition itself in Nigeria’s political landscape.

The party reiterated that the directive to maintain the status quo means the existing leadership remains fully in place until the Federal High Court delivers a final judgment on the matter.

ADC: Appeal Court Did Not Sack David Mark, Aregbesola

Politics

Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC

Twelve members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives have officially defected from their former parties to join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in a development that could reshape the balance of power in the National Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The announcement was made during Thursday’s plenary by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who disclosed that six lawmakers from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had defected to the APC, while six others from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) and Labour Party (LP) switched allegiance to the ADC. The lawmakers’ letters of defection were formally read on the floor of the House, completing the legal process for their new party alignment.

The six PDP members joining the APC include Bitrus Kwamoti, Zakaria Nyampa, James Barka, Kobis Thinmu, Mohammed Bargaja, and Midala Balami, representing constituencies across Adamawa, Sokoto, and Borno States. Those who moved to the ADC from LP and YPP include Afam Ogene, Lilian Orogbu, Peter Aniekwe, Jessy Onuakalusi, Osaro Omoruyi, and Peter Uzokwe from Anambra, Lagos, and Edo States.

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This latest wave of defections follows similar movements in the Senate, where three members left the PDP for the APC. The senators include Ikra Bilbis (Zamfara Central), Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central), and Amos Yohanna (Adamawa North). Their defection was formally announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session.

Political analysts describe these defections as part of a broader realignment in Nigeria’s legislature, with lawmakers seeking stable platforms and greater political influence ahead of the next general elections. Observers say the shift strengthens the ruling APC’s numerical advantage in the House of Representatives, while the ADC benefits by increasing its presence and visibility on the national stage.

Party leaders from both APC and ADC have welcomed the new members, pledging collaboration, unity, and commitment to national development. Meanwhile, the departures from PDP, LP, and YPP highlight ongoing challenges within opposition parties as they strive to retain cohesion and retain political influence amid a competitive election cycle.

The defections are expected to have significant implications for legislative proceedings, including the passage of key bills and alignment on national policies, further cementing the importance of party loyalty and political strategy in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.

Lawmakers Switch Allegiance: 6 Reps Join APC, 6 Join ADC

Politics

BREAKING: Tambuwal Quits PDP, Defects to ADC Amid Internal Party Crisis

Published

3 days ago

March 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives

BREAKING: Tambuwal Quits PDP, Defects to ADC Amid Internal Party Crisis

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex‑Governor of Sokoto State, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and deepening divisions as reasons for his departure.

Tambuwal made the announcement on social media platform X on Thursday, confirming that he had communicated his resignation in writing to his ward chairman before officially enlisting in the ADC along with close associates and supporters. “Today, after deep reflection and consultations, I have formally resigned my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, and I have communicated my resignation to my ward chairman in writing,” he stated.

While acknowledging the PDP’s historical role in shaping his political career — which includes two terms as Governor of Sokoto State and a tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives — Tambuwal said the party’s internal deterioration made continued membership untenable. “The persistent internal crisis, leadership disagreements, and growing divisions within the PDP have made it increasingly difficult to continue my membership of the party. These developments have unfortunately weakened the unity and direction that once defined the party and have necessitated this decision,” he added.

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Explaining his choice of the ADC, Tambuwal expressed confidence in the party as a platform for democratic progress, integrity, accountability, and inclusive governance in Nigeria. “I am convinced that this decision is guided by my belief that Nigeria needs a stronger political platform built on integrity, accountability, inclusiveness, and a clear commitment to national development,” he said, reaffirming his dedication to democracy, justice, and national unity.

Tambuwal’s defection comes amid a series of high-profile defections from the PDP, including lawmakers and political leaders who have left the party over leadership disputes and factional disagreements. Analysts note that his move strengthens the ADC’s position as a credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in northern Nigeria where Tambuwal wields significant influence.

The shift also underscores the deepening crisis within the PDP, which has faced repeated defections and legal battles over party leadership. Political observers say Tambuwal’s exit could influence other politicians and voters dissatisfied with the PDP’s internal divisions, reshaping Nigeria’s political landscape in the run-up to the next elections.