2027: ADC Will ‘Bleed’ After Convention as Atiku Secures Ticket, Warns Hakeem Baba-Ahmed

In a bombshell revelation that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has predicted a massive internal crisis within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) following its upcoming national convention. Baba-Ahmed, speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, asserted that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is all but guaranteed to clinch the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 elections, a move that could trigger defections and a “bleeding” of the party.

“ADC will bleed after its convention because almost certainly Vice President Atiku Abubakar will get the ticket. When he does, some people will walk out,” Baba-Ahmed stated emphatically during the interview. He attributed this potential exodus to clashing interests within the ADC, where multiple factions and aspirants may feel sidelined by Atiku’s dominance.

Baba-Ahmed, who has also served as a presidential adviser, highlighted Atiku’s strong positioning within the party, suggesting that the convention—demanded by Atiku himself—would solidify his grip on the ticket. “If ADC goes to convention, and it certainly will, because that’s what former Vice President Atiku wants, he will get the ticket,” he added.

This prediction comes amid heightened tensions in the ADC, which has seen a surge in high-profile defections since late 2025. Atiku Abubakar, the perennial presidential hopeful and former PDP stalwart, officially joined the ADC in November 2025 after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in July of that year. He collected his membership card in Jada, Adamawa State, marking a significant shift in opposition politics.

Adding fuel to the fire, former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi also defected to the ADC in a move announced by Atiku himself on social media, welcoming Obi as a key ally in building a “virile opposition.” However, the convergence of these political heavyweights has sparked a fierce battle for the 2027 ticket, with Atiku insisting on competitive primaries and refusing to step aside for Obi or any other contender.

Analysts suggest this internal rivalry could fracture the ADC, especially if Atiku emerges victorious, as Baba-Ahmed foresees. A former PDP governorship aspirant in Adamawa, Umar Ardo, echoed similar concerns, noting that Obi’s chances hinge on Atiku withdrawing—something the former VP has shown no inclination to do. Baba-Ahmed also took a swipe at Obi, claiming he “doesn’t do conventions; he just goes there to be anointed,” implying a preference for backroom deals over open contests.

Reactions on social media platform X have been swift and divided. Users like @emmaikumeh questioned the Baba-Ahmed brothers’ motives, tweeting, “Nawa ooh, him and his brother are speaking against the ADC,” while @Telldem15356373 warned that Atiku’s dominance could alienate Southeast supporters, stating, “If Atiku the Settlers Continue to Stand in the way of Southeast Candidate ticket, Obi will not go along with ADC.”

Atiku, meanwhile, has been actively consolidating his influence, holding meetings with ADC stakeholders in states like Adamawa and Bauchi to strengthen the party’s grassroots base. Political observers believe this could position the ADC as a formidable opposition force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) led by President Bola Tinubu, but only if it avoids the predicted implosion.

As Nigeria inches closer to 2027, the ADC’s internal dynamics will be closely watched. Will Atiku’s ambition unify or divide the opposition? Only time—and the convention—will tell.