2027: Fayose Says ADC Needs Obi to Stay Relevant

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.

Fayose made the assertion during an interview excerpt scheduled to air on Tuesday on Arise Television, where he described Obi as the “only life” and driving force within the ADC.

According to Fayose, Obi remains the only figure in the party with the capacity to command nationwide attention and electoral relevance, arguing that other members of the party lack comparable political appeal.

The former governor pointed to the 2023 general elections as evidence of Obi’s political value, noting that his candidacy on the platform of the Labour Party (LP) led to unexpected victories, particularly in the House of Representatives.

Fayose said Obi’s popularity cuts across party lines and insisted that he would enjoy significant support regardless of the political platform he chooses to contest on.

While clarifying that he was not predicting the outcome of the 2027 presidential election, Fayose cautioned that the ADC’s fortunes would worsen if it failed to field Obi as its flagbearer.

“Peter Obi is the life in ADC. I’m not saying there are no other people in ADC, but the others are largely spent forces,” Fayose said.

He added that Obi’s political influence would remain strong even if he contested on the platform of a relatively obscure party, stressing that Obi remains the only figure capable of giving the ADC meaning and traction on the national stage.

Fayose concluded by warning that without Obi, the ADC’s political standing would be weaker than its current position.