The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is likely to face internal defections after its national convention if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerges as its presidential candidate, according to Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.
Baba-Ahmed, a prominent voice within the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), made the remark while speaking on the state of Nigeria’s politics and the emerging opposition realignments ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to him, the ADC is currently attracting diverse political interests largely because it is being viewed as a possible coalition platform for opposition figures dissatisfied with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). However, he warned that the fragile unity could collapse once the question of presidential candidacy is settled.
“ADC will bleed after its convention because Vice President Atiku will get the ticket, and when he does, some people will walk out,” Baba-Ahmed said.
Political observers note that Atiku’s growing influence within opposition coalition talks has generated unease among younger reform-minded politicians and supporters of alternative presidential hopefuls, many of whom are seeking a break from long-standing political figures. For such groups, the ADC represents a platform for political renewal rather than continuity.
Baba-Ahmed’s warning highlights the broader challenge facing Nigeria’s opposition parties: balancing experience and name recognition with demands for internal democracy, inclusion, and generational change. Analysts say failure to manage these competing interests could weaken any unified opposition effort against the ruling party in 2027.
As preparations for the ADC convention intensify, attention is expected to focus on whether party leaders can prevent post-convention defections or whether Baba-Ahmed’s prediction of internal bleeding will materialise.
Abuja Network News
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