Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) risks becoming irrelevant if it doesn’t present Peter Obi, former Anambra State Governor, as its presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Fayose made the remarks during an exclusive interview on Arise Television.
Fayose emphasized that Obi is the only political figure capable of giving the ADC national relevance, citing his significant influence during the 2023 elections when the Labour Party won several House of Representatives seats.
Fayose described Obi as the “life in ADC,” stating that other party members lack electoral appeal.
He believed Obi’s popularity transcends party structures, and his emergence would instantly boost the party’s electoral fortunes.
“Peter Obi is the life in ADC,” Fayose said. “I didn’t say there are no other human beings in ADC. I’m saying others are largely spent forces.”
He argued that Obi’s political influence goes beyond party structures, noting that his popularity was clearly demonstrated during the 2023 general election when the Labour Party, previously regarded as fringe, won several seats in the House of Representatives on the back of Obi’s candidacy.
“When Obi went to Labour, Labour that was never known, people won elections to the House of Reps,” Fayose said, stressing that Obi’s emergence instantly transformed the party’s electoral fortunes.
Fayose clarified that he’s not predicting Obi’s victory or defeat but stressed that sidelining him would weaken the ADC’s standing.