In his advice to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has declared that the party’s relevance hinges entirely on fielding Peter Obi as its presidential candidate in 2027, dismissing other prominent figures in the party as “spent forces.”
Fayose made the comments during an interview with Arise News, scheduled for broadcast on Tuesday. He argued that Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate who recently defected to the ADC, is the only politician capable of giving the party national traction.
“Obi is the only traction. Obi is the only meaning, Obi is the only factor, Obi is the only person in ADC that matters,” Fayose stated. “I’m telling you, even if you don’t field Obi, if ADC fails to field Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together.”
When asked about other high-profile ADC members—such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai—Fayose was dismissive. “I didn’t say there are no other human beings in ADC. I’m saying others are largely spent forces. Peter Obi is the life in ADC.”
Fayose pointed to Obi’s impact on the previously obscure Labour Party in the 2023 elections, where it secured significant National Assembly seats and the governorship of Abia State, as evidence of his unique voter appeal.
While stressing that Obi would garner “significant support” under any party banner in 2027, Fayose clarified that he was not predicting an outright victory. “I’m not saying Obi will win this election. I’m not saying Obi will not win this election,” he said.
Peter Obi joined the ADC in December after announcing his intention to run in the 2027 presidential election, setting the stage for a major realignment in opposition politics.
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