Ayo Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, has emphasized the importance of Peter Obi’s candidacy for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the 2027 general election. In an exclusive interview with Arise Television, Fayose stated that the party risks becoming politically irrelevant if it fails to present Obi as its candidate.
Fayose described Obi as the primary political attraction within the ADC, noting that other figures in the party lack the capacity to generate significant electoral traction. He argued that Obi’s influence was evident during the 2023 elections, where his emergence as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate helped the party secure seats in the House of Representatives despite its limited national presence.
According to Fayose, Obi’s appeal transcends party platforms, and he would attract similar support even if he contested on the platform of another lesser-known party. However, Fayose clarified that he was not predicting Obi’s chances of winning or losing the 2027 presidential election. Instead, he emphasized that the ADC’s fortunes would be worse than their current state if the party failed to field Obi as its candidate.
Fayose reiterated that Obi remains central to the ADC’s relevance in the 2027 electoral contest, warning that sidelining him would significantly weaken the party’s political standing. He noted that Obi’s presence in the Labour Party had previously helped the party win elections to the House of Representatives, demonstrating his ability to generate electoral traction.
The former governor’s comments highlight the significance of Obi’s candidacy for the ADC’s prospects in the 2027 election. With the party’s national relevance hanging in the balance, the decision to field Obi as its candidate could have far-reaching consequences for the ADC’s political future. As the 2027 general election approaches, the ADC’s next steps will be closely watched, particularly with regards to its candidate selection and strategy.
