Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has described the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the only remaining opposition voice in Nigeria.
Fayose made this remark on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, stating that no one would be able to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
“Tell me, who will defeat the APC? The only opposition that I know in Nigeria—let me tell you now—the only opposition, I didn’t say the opposition can win Asiwaju, but the only opposition that still has traction is Obi, no other one.
“The only voice that has traction, that is still talking, that is everywhere despite not being in government, is Obi. I give it to him. But let me tell you, all others are just filling the gap. Atiku is filling the gap, and all the others too, because people don’t listen to them anymore,” Fayose said.
The opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, have formed a coalition aimed at wresting power from the APC in 2027.
The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political platform to execute their mission for the 2027 elections.
However, Fayose dismissed the ADC’s chances against the APC, saying the party is “going nowhere.”
“Listen to me, ADC—they are our old friends, senior colleagues, junior colleagues. Let me tell you that ADC is going nowhere,” he stated.
Fayose reiterated his support for President Tinubu, clarifying that it does not mean he is aligning with the APC for personal benefit.
“Have you seen me taking an appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘Oshoko, what would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir.’
“At 65, I would rather be at home, being more responsible and doing other things that I need to do. I have served well — two-term governor — I have done well. Let tomorrow hold itself.
“I am not hobnobbing with the APC, but I have been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth,” he said.
Fayose also absolved President Tinubu of any blame for the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the party as “dead.”
He said he would not be part of those trying to revive the PDP and hinted that the remaining PDP governors were considering defecting to the APC.
Fayose maintained that it would be unfair to blame President Tinubu for the recent defections of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to the APC.