Fayose says ADC risks political irrelevance if Peter Obi is not its 2027 presidential candidate. Obi remains central to the party’s national appeal
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) risks political irrelevance if it does not present former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
Also read: Makinde rebuts Fayose over disputed Bodija N50bn claim
Fayose, speaking in an exclusive interview on Arise Television, described Obi as the party’s major political attraction, arguing that other figures within the ADC lack the capacity to generate significant electoral traction.
“Peter Obi is the life in ADC. I didn’t say there are no other human beings in ADC. I’m saying others are largely spent forces,” Fayose said.
He noted that Obi’s political influence was evident during the 2023 elections when his candidacy on the Labour Party platform helped the party secure House of Representatives seats despite its previously limited national presence.
Fayose maintained that Obi’s appeal transcends party platforms, asserting that he would attract similar support even if he contested under a lesser-known party.
While he did not predict whether Obi would win the 2027 election, Fayose stressed that ADC’s fortunes would be significantly weaker without him.
“Even if they don’t field Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together,” he said.
“Let’s say Obi didn’t go to ADC, let Obi go to another party… Obi is the only traction, the only meaning, the only factor, the only person in ADC that matters.”
Also read: Turaki Bloc Expels Wike, Fayose in PDP Crisis
Fayose’s comments underscore Obi’s perceived centrality to ADC’s national relevance and the party’s prospects in Nigeria’s forthcoming electoral contest.
