By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has described Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, as the only remaining opposition voice in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Wednesday, Fayose stated that despite Obi’s strong influence, no political figure or coalition would be able to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
“Tell me, who will defeat the APC? The only opposition that I know in Nigeria—the only one that still has traction—is Obi,” Fayose said. “He’s the only voice that is still talking and remains visible despite not being in government. I give it to him. All others, including Atiku, are just filling the gap because people don’t listen to them anymore.”
Fayose’s remarks come amid reports of an emerging opposition coalition, which includes Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, among others. The coalition has reportedly adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge the APC in 2027.
However, Fayose dismissed the ADC’s chances, saying the party poses no threat to the ruling APC. “Listen to me, ADC—they are our old friends, senior colleagues, junior colleagues. Let me tell you, ADC is going nowhere,” he declared.
The former governor reaffirmed his support for President Tinubu, clarifying that his stance was not driven by personal interest or affiliation with the APC. “Have you seen me take an appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘Oshoko, what would we give you?’ and I said, ‘Nothing, sir.’ At 65, I would rather stay at home and be responsible. I have served well as a two-term governor. Let tomorrow hold itself,” Fayose said.
He added that his long-standing friendship with President Tinubu does not equate to political alignment, emphasizing that his support stems from personal respect rather than partisanship.
On the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Fayose declared it “dead,” insisting he would not be part of efforts to revive it. He also suggested that some of the few remaining PDP governors were already considering defection to the APC.
According to him, it would be unfair to blame President Tinubu for the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the ruling party.
