Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, remains the only true voice of opposition in Nigeria today.
Fayose made this statement on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, stressing that despite Obi’s presence as an opposition figure, no one can defeat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
“Tell me, who will defeat the APC?” Fayose asked rhetorically. “The only opposition that still has traction in Nigeria today is Peter Obi. I’m not saying he can win Asiwaju, but he’s the only one people are still listening to. The rest are just filling the space. Atiku is filling the gap, and the others too — because nobody listens to them anymore.”
‘ADC Going Nowhere’
Fayose also dismissed the newly formed opposition coalition adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform to challenge the APC in 2027.
The coalition, which includes Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, aims to unite against the ruling party.
However, Fayose downplayed their chances, saying the ADC poses no real threat.
“Listen to me, ADC — they’re our old friends and colleagues. Let me tell you, ADC is going nowhere,” he said confidently.
‘My Support for Tinubu Isn’t for Gain’
Despite expressing support for President Tinubu, Fayose maintained that he is not a member of the APC and has no personal interest in seeking government appointments.
“Have you seen me take any appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘Oshoko, what would we give you?’ and I told him, ‘Nothing, sir,’” Fayose revealed.
He added that at age 65, he is content to live a quiet life, having already served two terms as governor.
“I’ve done my bit. I have no reason to lobby for anything. I just believe in giving support where I see leadership capacity,” he said.
‘Tinubu Not Responsible for PDP Crisis’
Fayose also absolved President Tinubu of any blame for the ongoing crisis within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), describing the party as “dead” and beyond revival.
He hinted that some PDP governors are already planning to defect to the APC, stating:
“The PDP is gone. The few governors left are already considering leaving. It’s not Tinubu’s fault — the party destroyed itself.”
Concluding, Fayose emphasized that while he remains a long-time ally of President Tinubu, his stance is driven by principle, not politics.
“I am not hobnobbing with the APC. Asiwaju has been my friend and brother for a long time — that’s just the truth,” he affirmed.
