Abu Bakr’s Caliphate

We affirm that the caliphate after the Prophet was, first and foremost, deserving of Abu Bakr, believing in his superiority and seniority over the rest of the Ummah.
This is our opinion. However, the Ummah disagreed over the nature of Abu Bakr’s succession. Was it by the Prophet’s command, or was it simply a choice? Hasan al-Basri and a group of people from the Ahl al-Hadith believe it was by dint of command, although subtle and indirect, coming from the Prophet (saws). Some of them in fact have said that it is proven by the texts. However, some others of the Ahl al-Hadith. the Mu’tazilah and Ash’ariyyah have said that it was established by choice and consent.