Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has described Peter Obi as the only political figure giving relevance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the party’s significance in Nigeria’s opposition space is tied largely to Obi’s presence.
Fayose made the remark during an interview on Arise News, where he spoke on the shifting dynamics of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections, as well as the internal crisis facing the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
According to Fayose, the PDP has lost its position as Nigeria’s dominant opposition party due to internal divisions rather than pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“When you are weak, tendencies are there for you to fall to the right of the stronger side,” Fayose said.
He dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu or the APC were responsible for the PDP’s challenges, arguing that the party’s problems were self-inflicted.
“The challenges in the PDP are not the fault of the president. The failure in my home — God forbid — is not the fault of my neighbour,” he added.
Turning to the ADC, Fayose said Peter Obi’s reported move to the party has significantly altered its political standing.
“Are we saying ADC is not dominant? Recently, Obi moved there. Obi is the only life in ADC,” he said.
When it was suggested that other political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, were also associated with the ADC, Fayose downplayed their influence.
“I’m not saying they are not human beings, but they are largely spent forces,” he remarked.
Emphasising Obi’s political weight, Fayose said the former Labour Party presidential candidate remains the key factor driving interest in the ADC.
“Let Obi go to any other party. Obi is the only traction, the only meaning, the only factor in ADC that matters,” he said.
Fayose added that without Obi, the party’s political relevance would be significantly diminished, as opposition alignments continue to evolve ahead of the 2027 elections.