Former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has advised the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to change his current political tactics, knowing that he is running against harline politicians in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an interview on television yesterday, Baba-Ahmed, stated that Obi needs to adjust his political approach if he hopes to emerge as the presidential candidate in the coalition-backed primary of the ADC.
He acknowledged Obi’s strong public engagement and grassroots appeal, describing him as highly visible and politically active nationwide.
“I think he is the most travelled politician I’ve seen in recent times, and that’s good for him. He tries to stay in touch with the grassroots, which is good for him,” Baba-Ahmed noted.
He, however, warned that Obi must recognise the changing dynamics of the race and the calibre of politicians he is now competing against within the ADC coalition.
“What he needs to do now is to sit down with his people and come to terms with the fact that he’s now running against hard line politicians who also have eyes on the same thing he has his eyes on,” he added.
According to him, while Obi remains a strong political figure, his current strategy may not be sufficient in a competitive coalition environment dominated by seasoned political actors.
“I think Peter Obi’s people and himself are not helping his case,” he said.