Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has cautioned that the African Democratic Congress, ADC, risks political irrelevance if it fails to present former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, as its standard-bearer ahead of the 2027 general election.
Fayose made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Arise Television, describing Obi as the only political figure within the party capable of giving it national prominence.
According to him, other members of the ADC lack the electoral appeal necessary to make a significant impact at the polls.
“Peter Obi is the life in ADC. I am not saying there are no other human beings in the party, but others are largely spent forces,” Fayose stated.
The former governor emphasised Obi’s influence beyond party lines, pointing to the 2023 general election as evidence of the former Anambra governor’s electoral clout.
He noted that Obi’s candidacy for the Labour Party, previously considered a fringe party, propelled several candidates to victories in the House of Representatives.
“When Obi went to Labour, a party that was virtually unknown, people won elections to the House of Representatives because of him,” Fayose explained. “His presence immediately transformed the party’s fortunes.”
Fayose argued that Obi’s appeal transcends party structures, suggesting that even a lesser-known political platform could gain national relevance by fielding him.
“Let’s say Obi didn’t join ADC but moved to another party, like Accord. Obi is the only traction, the only meaning, the only factor,” he said.
While stressing Obi’s centrality to ADC’s viability, Fayose clarified that his comments were not predictions of electoral outcomes.
“I am not saying Obi will win this election, nor am I saying he will lose. But if ADC does not field Obi, the party’s relevance will be significantly diminished, regardless of its internal unity,” he said.
The former governor also stated that sidelining Obi would weaken ADC’s standing in the run-up to 2027, insisting that the former Anambra governor remains a pivotal figure for any serious electoral ambition the party may harbour.
