Baba-Ahmed Says He Was Insulted Over Comment on Obi, Atiku
Former presidential adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has said he was verbally attacked after expressing his opinion that Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, would struggle to defeat former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a convention-based primary election of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Baba-Ahmed disclosed this while reacting to debates around opposition realignment and leadership ahead of future elections. According to him, his comment was based on his assessment of Nigeria’s delegate-based party politics, but it attracted insults and personal attacks rather than constructive engagement.
He explained that his position was not intended to diminish Obi’s popularity or political relevance, but to highlight the realities of convention-style primaries, where party structures, delegate networks and long-standing alliances often play a decisive role.
“People insulted me simply for saying that Obi will find it difficult to beat Atiku in a convention,” Baba-Ahmed said. “This is not about personal preference; it is about understanding how party politics works in Nigeria.”
The former adviser noted that Atiku, having contested multiple presidential primaries across different parties, has built extensive networks within party hierarchies, giving him an advantage in delegate-driven contests. He argued that popularity among the general electorate does not always translate into success at party conventions.
Baba-Ahmed also cautioned supporters of various political figures to tolerate differing opinions, stressing that healthy debate is essential for democracy. He said disagreement should not descend into abuse or hostility.
The comments come amid ongoing discussions about possible coalitions and alternative platforms ahead of the next general elections, with the ADC frequently mentioned as a potential rallying point for opposition figures.
Baba-Ahmed urged political actors and supporters to focus on building strong institutions and issue-based politics rather than personal attacks, saying Nigeria’s democratic growth depends on maturity in political discourse.
