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

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.

READ ALSO:

• FG to Scrap HND Dichotomy, Empower Polytechnics to Award Degrees
• ICPC to Arraign Mike Ozekhome Over Alleged UK Property Fraud Monday
• Tinubu Faces Backlash for Awarding GCON to Business Associate Gilbert Chagoury

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