Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is no longer Nigeria’s dominant opposition party, attributing its decline to internal divisions, while describing former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a major political figure to watch ahead of the 2027 elections.
Fayose made the remarks during an interview with ARISE News senior anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, where he spoke on the state of opposition politics, the challenges within the PDP, and the growing relevance of other political platforms.
Speaking on why the PDP has struggled to retain its status as the country’s leading opposition party, Fayose said internal weaknesses made the party vulnerable, rather than actions taken by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“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.
He dismissed claims that the PDP’s crisis could be blamed on 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.”
Fayose described the PDP as a divided party struggling to hold itself together, saying, “The issues are very clear. The PDP is a house that is divided against itself.”
Turning to the broader political landscape, Fayose said Nigeria typically has two dominant parties at a time and suggested that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has gained relevance 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 noted that other political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, were also associated with the platform, Fayose responded, “I’m not saying they are not human beings, I’m saying they are largely spent forces.”
He further stressed Obi’s political weight, stating, “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.”
Fayose added that Obi’s presence alone had altered the party’s relevance, saying, “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.”
Arise News announced that the full interview will air on the Arise Morning Show at 9:00am Tuesday.
Ademide Adebayo.
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