Baba-Ahmed urges Obi to rethink strategy ahead of ADC coalition primary

Former presidential adviser Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has advised the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, to recalibrate his political strategy if he hopes to secure the presidential ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the emerging opposition coalition.

Baba-Ahmed gave the advice on Thursday while speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television, where he assessed the internal dynamics of the coalition and compared Obi’s prospects with those of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

According to him, Atiku currently holds a significant advantage in any convention-based primary, owing to his long-standing experience in party politics and mastery of internal democratic processes.

“Vice President Atiku is head and shoulders above all other candidates in terms of emerging through convention,” Baba-Ahmed said.

“He has the experience, wider spread, stronger structures, more loyal followers, and a deeper understanding of how internal party democracy works.”

While acknowledging Obi’s popularity and visibility, Baba-Ahmed cautioned that the former Anambra State governor may be undermining his own chances by not adjusting to the realities of coalition politics.

“I think Governor Peter Obi and his people are not helping his case,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed, however, praised Obi’s nationwide engagement and grassroots presence, describing him as one of the most politically active figures in recent times.

“He is probably the most travelled politician I’ve seen in a long while. He stays in touch with the grassroots, and that is a good thing,” he noted.

Nevertheless, he warned that Obi must recognise that the contest within the ADC coalition would be far tougher, with seasoned political heavyweights competing for the same prize.

“What he needs to do now is to sit down with his people and come to terms with the reality that he is now up against hardline politicians who want exactly what he wants,” Baba-Ahmed said.

He further advised Obi to emulate Atiku’s handling of supporters and internal disagreements, particularly in maintaining discipline and avoiding public confrontations.

“What Vice President Atiku did by telling his supporters to calm down and avoid trading insults was the right approach,” he said, adding that “Peter Obi needs to do twice as much.”