‘Obi’s presence add more meaning to ADC’ – Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is no longer Nigeria’s leading opposition party, blaming the party’s problems on deep internal divisions.

Fayose said the crisis within the PDP has weakened its ability to challenge the ruling party and has reduced its influence on national politics.

He also described former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as one of the key political figures to watch ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Fayose said Obi’s move to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, has made the party more relevant and has given it fresh attention from Nigerians.

Speaking in an interview with Arise News, Fayose said the opposition space in Nigeria is changing, with new parties and leaders now attracting more public support than before.

According to him, the PDP’s inability to resolve its internal disputes has cost it the position it once held as the country’s main opposition force.

He added that with figures like Obi now operating outside the PDP, the political landscape ahead of 2027 is likely to look very different from what Nigerians are used to.

On why the PDP has lost its dominant position, Fayose placed the blame on internal weaknesses rather than the ruling All Progressives Congress, Very Nigerian reported on Monday.

“You must be very honest. When you are weak, tendencies are there for you to fall to the right of the stronger side,” he said.

He dismissed suggestions that the party’s woes were linked to President Bola Tinubu, adding: “The challenges in the PDP, it’s not the fault of Asiwaju, the president.

“No. The failure in my home – God forbid – is not the fault of my neighbour.”

Describing the PDP as a fractured entity, Fayose said: “The issues are very clear. The PDP is a house that is divided against itself.”

Turning to the broader opposition scene, Fayose said Nigeria generally has two dominant parties at a time and highlighted the African Democratic Congress following Peter Obi’s reported move.

“Are we saying ADC is not dominant? Recently, Obi moved there. And I’ve said it. Obi is the only life in ADC,” he said.

When Abati mentioned that other figures, including Atiku Abubakar, are associated with the platform, Fayose responded: “I’m not saying they are not human beings, I’m saying they are largely spent forces.”

Fayose emphasised Obi’s unique political weight: “Let Obi not go to ADC. Let Obi go to another party. Let’s say Obi is in Accord.

“Obi is the only traction. Obi is the only meaning, Obi is the only factor, Obi is the only person in ADC that matters.”

He added that Obi’s presence alone has shifted the party’s relevance: “And if Obi had not gone to ADC, I’m not saying Obi will win this election. I’m not saying Obi will not win this election.

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