Bashir Ahmad, a former aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, has publicly challenged Peter Obi’s capacity to unite and lead Nigeria, following unverified reports that Obi may leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Coalition (NDC).
Speaking via his X account, Ahmad suggested that Obi’s alleged party switch is a calculated move to dodge internal competition within the ADC. He noted that Obi’s pattern mirrors his 2022 exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after losing the primary.
“Party primaries are the bedrock of democracy,” Ahmad wrote. “If a politician fears contesting within his own party, how can he convince Nigerians he can handle the complex dynamics of national leadership?”
The speculation gained traction after the Supreme Court resolved the ADC’s leadership crisis, leaving room for possible realignments. However, Obi has not yet commented on the matter.
Ahmad argued that evading party contests raises doubts about Obi’s ability to build the broad consensus needed for Nigeria’s diverse polity. He insisted that successful national leaders first prove themselves in internal party battles.