Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer Nigeria’s leading opposition party, blaming its decline on deep internal divisions rather than pressure from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Fayose also identified former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the most influential opposition figure ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that Obi’s reported defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has instantly elevated the party’s relevance.
Speaking in an interview on Arise News, Fayose said the PDP’s crisis is self-inflicted, stressing that political weakness naturally cedes ground to stronger rivals.
“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.
Rejecting claims that President Bola Tinubu or the APC were responsible for the PDP’s troubles, Fayose added:
“The challenges in the PDP, it’s not the fault of Asiwaju, the president. The failure in my home — God forbid — is not the fault of my neighbour.”
He described the party as deeply fragmented, saying, “The issues are very clear. The PDP is a house that is divided against itself.”
On the broader opposition landscape, Fayose noted that Nigeria typically has two dominant parties at any given time and argued that the ADC is fast gaining prominence because of Obi’s political weight.
“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 it was suggested that other political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, are associated with the party, Fayose dismissed their influence, describing them as “largely spent forces.”
He insisted that Obi alone gives the ADC political traction, adding:
“Let Obi not go to ADC. Let Obi go to another party — say 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.”
Fayose concluded that Obi’s presence has fundamentally reshaped the party’s relevance, whether or not electoral victory follows.
“I’m not saying Obi will win this election. I’m not saying Obi will not win. But I’m telling you, even if ADC fails to feed Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together,” he said.
His comments have reignited debate over the future of opposition politics in Nigeria and the central role Peter Obi may play in shaping the 2027 contest.
PDP No Longer Nigeria’s Main Opposition — Fayose Tips Peter Obi as Game Changer for 2027
