Fayose declares PDP no longer dominant, hails Peter Obi’s political influence
Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer Nigeria’s dominant opposition party, attributing its decline to internal divisions.
Fayose also highlighted the former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a key political figure to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fayose made the remarks in an interview with Arise News senior anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, where he discussed the state of opposition politics, challenges within the PDP, and the rising influence of other platforms.
“You must be very honest. When you are weak, tendencies are there for you to fall to the right of the stronger side,” Fayose said, explaining why the PDP has struggled to retain its status.
He further dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or President Bola Tinubu were responsible for the PDP’s crisis.
“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,” he said.
Fayose described the PDP as “a house divided against itself,” struggling to hold together amid internal wrangling.
Turning to Nigeria’s broader political landscape, he argued that the country typically has two dominant parties at a time, suggesting that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has gained relevance following Peter Obi’s reported move to the platform.
“Are we saying ADC is not dominant? Recently, Obi moved there. And I’ve said it. Obi is the only life in ADC,” Fayose remarked.
When asked about other political figures like Atiku Abubakar, Fayose noted: “I’m not saying they are not human beings, I’m saying they are largely spent forces.”
He emphasised Obi’s influence, asserting that his presence alone has shifted the party’s significance.
“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 said.
Fayose added that Obi’s political weight would determine the fortunes of whichever party he joins.
“Even if you don’t feed Obi, if ADC fails to feed Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together,” he stressed.
Arise News announced that the full interview would be aired on the Arise Morning Show at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday.
