Emulate Atiku, Call Your Supporters to Order – Baba-Ahmed Tells Peter Obi

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Former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has advised the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to rein in his supporters and adopt a calmer, more strategic approach ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Baba-Ahmed made the call on Thursday while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, saying Obi and some of his supporters were not helping his political prospects.

He warned that unchecked attacks and insults from Obi’s camp could undermine his chances within the democratic process.

Baba-Ahmed acknowledged Obi’s frequent engagements across the country, describing him as one of the most travelled politicians in recent times, and commended his efforts to remain connected with grassroots supporters.

However, he said Obi must recognise the reality of competing against experienced and “hardline politicians” who are equally determined to secure party tickets.

Baba-Ahmed Calls Obi to Emulate Atiku and Call his Supporters to Order

He urged Obi to emulate former Vice President Atiku Abubakar by publicly calling his supporters to order and discouraging the exchange of insults among political camps.

“I think Peter Obi, all these people and himself are not helping his case,” Baba-Ahmed said. “What he really needs to do is to go out and soil his boots. He is the most travelled politician I’ve seen in recent times, and that is good for him. He has tried to stay in touch with the grassroots, which is also good.”

“But what he needs to do now is to sit down with these people and come to terms with the fact that he is now running against hardline politicians who also have their eyes on the same thing he wants.”

Baba-Ahmed said Atiku’s decision to urge his supporters to calm down and avoid trading insults was a step Obi should adopt even more firmly.

“What Vice President Atiku did by telling his people to calm down and not trade insults with each other was the right thing, and Peter Obi should do that twice as much,” he said.

He added that the democratic process requires consensus-building, noting that aspirants often need the backing of influential political figures.

According to him, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ticket is open to contest, securing it would be a difficult task for any aspirant, stressing that alliances and behind-the-scenes negotiations play a key role in the process.

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Rafiyat SADIQ

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Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.