Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has argued that Peter Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) diminished his chances of mounting a strong challenge in the 2027 presidential election.
Fayose spoke during an appearance on TVC News’ Politics Tonight on Tuesday, where he examined the opposition’s prospects ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said the opposition had a better opportunity of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) when its major political figures were united under the ADC.
“When they were all together in ADC, I would tell anybody that they will make an impact. The day Obi left ADC for NDC, that day Obi lost,” Fayose said.
Despite his criticism, Fayose praised Obi, describing him as “a fantastic Nigerian who has made his marks” and noting his record of demonstrating that “things can get better.”
The former governor, however, warned that continued divisions among opposition parties and politicians could weaken their collective electoral strength.
“But when opposition, when they don’t come together, they will continue to lose,” he said.
Opposition Unity May Be Difficult to Restore
Fayose also suggested that it was now difficult for opposition politicians to reverse their current political decisions because of the stage the electoral process had reached.
“It’s too late now,” he said, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had already accredited the candidates.
“Even if you say you are not doing again, you’re on your own,” he added.
Using an analogy, Fayose said the opposition had already committed itself to the current political arrangements and could not easily withdraw.
“You have put your feet in the water. You can’t get out. You have gotten wet already,” he said.
Fayose Predicts Strong Support for Tinubu in South-West
Speaking about President Bola Tinubu’s prospects in 2027, Fayose said the President was well positioned in the South-West, citing the backing of several prominent political figures in the region.
He predicted that Tinubu could obtain nearly four million votes from the region, based on voting patterns recorded during the 2023 presidential election.
“In the West alone, Tinubu will get close to about four million votes,” Fayose said.
“When you look at the pattern of the last election, Tinubu will win this election close to about 65 per cent,” he added.
Former Governor Raises Concerns Over Vote-Buying
Fayose also challenged claims that alleged vote-buying during the recent Osun governorship election was limited to one political camp.
According to him, supporters of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party were all implicated in alleged vote-buying activities.
“It’s mere desperation. Mere desperation,” Fayose said.
He added that reports of arrests showed that supporters from opposing camps were allegedly involved.
“The two sides clearly, going by what we saw on the television on Saturday, police arrested the two sides sharing money. So don’t come and tell me they are saints both ways,” he said.
Fayose described electoral malpractice as a broader systemic problem, arguing that addressing it would require responsibility from both political actors and voters.
“We have a lot to put right,” he said. “It’s the system. It’s systemic. It is a problem that has to be addressed.”
