Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party is no longer Nigeria’s leading opposition party, pointing to internal divisions as the party’s undoing.
He also singled out former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a key political figure to watch ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that his defection to the African Democratic Congress has given the party more relevance.
Fayose made the comments in an interview with Arise News while discussing the state of opposition politics, the PDP’s internal struggles, and the rising influence of other political platforms.
On why the PDP has lost its dominant position, Fayose placed the blame on internal weaknesses rather than the ruling All Progressives Congress, Arise News reported on Monday.
“You must be very honest. When you are weak, tendencies are there for you to fall to the right of the stronger side,” he said.
He dismissed suggestions that the party’s woes were linked to President Bola Tinubu, adding: “The challenges in the PDP, it’s not the fault of Asiwaju, the president.
“No. The failure in my home – God forbid – is not the fault of my neighbour.”
Describing the PDP as a fractured entity, Fayose said: “The issues are very clear. The PDP is a house that is divided against itself.”
Turning to the broader opposition scene, Fayose said Nigeria generally has two dominant parties at a time and highlighted the African Democratic Congress following Peter Obi’s reported move.
“Are we saying ADC is not dominant? Recently, Obi moved there. And I’ve said it. Obi is the only life in ADC,” he said.
When Abati mentioned that other figures, including Atiku Abubakar, are associated with the platform, Fayose responded: “I’m not saying they are not human beings, I’m saying they are largely spent forces.”
Fayose emphasised Obi’s unique political weight: “Let Obi not go to ADC. Let Obi go to another party. Let’s say Obi is in Accord.
“Obi is the only traction. Obi is the only meaning, Obi is the only factor, Obi is the only person in ADC that matters.”
He added that Obi’s presence alone has shifted the party’s relevance: “And if Obi had not gone to ADC, I’m not saying Obi will win this election.
“I’m not saying Obi will not win this election.
“But I’m telling you, even if you don’t feed Obi, if ADC fails to feed Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together.”
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