Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may struggle to remain politically relevant ahead of the 2027 general election if it fails to field Peter Obi as its presidential candidate.
He made the remark on Sunday during PDP National Convention 2026 in Abuja, while reacting to ongoing permutations within the opposition coalition over the choice of a flagbearer, amid speculations that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar could emerge as the party’s candidate.
Fayose said: “I told you that if Obi is not on the ballot of ADC, that is the end of ADC. It looks like now that Obi will not, Atiku will get the ticket.”
Fayose, however, praised Obi’s personality and credentials, describing him as a “fantastic” individual, but expressed doubts about his chances of clinching the presidency in the current political climate.
“Obi is a good guy; he’s a fantastic guy, but to become the president at this time is difficult,” he added.
The ADC has recently emerged as a potential coalition platform for opposition figures seeking to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
The party has been linked with several prominent politicians, including Obi, Atiku and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, although none has formally declared for the party’s ticket.