Former governor of Ekiti, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would lose relevance ahead of the 2027 general election if it fails to field former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, as its presidential flagbearer.
Speaking during a political discussion on Channels Television, Fayose described Obi as the central force and main source of attraction within the ADC, insisting that the party’s current momentum is largely tied to his presence.
According to the former governor, Obi’s political influence transcends party structures, noting that wherever he goes, he significantly boosts electoral fortunes.
“Peter Obi is the only life in ADC. I didn’t say there are no other human beings in ADC, but others are largely spent forces,” Fayose said.
Obi’s appeal, rather than party ideology, has been responsible for past electoral breakthroughs, citing the Labour Party’s unexpected success during the 2023 elections after Obi emerged as its presidential candidate.
Fayose said he didn’t care if they start to engage him.
“Before Obi went to Labour, the party was barely known. But because of him, people won elections into the House of Representatives,” he said.
Fayose maintained that even if Obi were to contest the presidency on the platform of a smaller party, such as the Accord Party, he would still command massive attention and support nationwide.
While stopping short of predicting Obi’s chances in the 2027 election, Fayose maintained that excluding him from ADC’s presidential ticket would spell disaster for the party.
“I’m not saying Obi will win or will not win the election. But I can tell you this: if ADC fails to field Obi, their situation will be worse than before they even came together,” he added.