Former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could slide into political irrelevance if it fails to present former Anambra State governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Gatekeepers News reports that Fayose made the remark in an interview excerpt scheduled to air on Tuesday on Arise Television, where he described Obi as the driving force behind the party’s growing relevance.
According to Fayose, Obi is the only figure within the ADC with the nationwide appeal capable of elevating the party’s political standing, arguing that other actors lack comparable electoral influence.
“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,” he said.
The former governor said Obi’s political value was evident during the 2023 general election, when his candidacy on the Labour Party (LP) platform translated into unexpected electoral gains, including victories in the House of Representatives.
Fayose noted that Obi’s appeal cuts across party lines, insisting that the former Anambra governor would command significant support regardless of the platform on which he contests.
“Let’s say Obi didn’t 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 said.
Recalling Obi’s defection to the Labour Party ahead of the 2023 polls, Fayose said the party was relatively unknown before Obi’s emergence.
“When Obi went to Labour, which was never known, you saw people win elections to the House of Reps,” he said.
Fayose, however, clarified that he was not predicting the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, but cautioned that the ADC would perform worse than its current position if it fails to field Obi as its candidate.
“I’m not saying Obi will win this election. I’m not saying Obi will not win this election, but I’m telling you, if ADC fails to field Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together,” he said.
