Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has lost its status as Nigeria’s main opposition party, citing internal crises and persistent divisions within the party.
Fayose also described former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as a major opposition political force ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that Obi is the key figure driving the growing relevance of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He made the remarks during an interview with ARISE News senior anchor, Dr Reuben Abati, while assessing the state of opposition politics and the challenges facing the PDP.
According to Fayose, the problems confronting the PDP were self-inflicted and not caused 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,” he said.
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Dismissing claims that President Bola Tinubu was responsible for the PDP’s decline, Fayose said the party’s leadership and internal disagreements were to blame.
“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 stated.
PDP Failed to Present Itself as Major Opposition Force
He added that the PDP had failed to present itself as a united opposition, noting that internal divisions had continued to undermine its strength.
“The issues are very clear. The PDP is a house that is divided against itself,” Fayose said.
Turning to the broader political landscape, Fayose argued that Nigeria traditionally operates a two-party system but said recent developments had brought the ADC into focus, largely due to Peter Obi’s reported move to the party.
“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 pointed out that other political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, had also been linked to the ADC, Fayose downplayed their influence, describing them as “largely spent forces.”
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He maintained that Obi remained the party’s main attraction and the figure giving it political relevance.
“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 insisted.
He added that without Obi, the ADC’s political prospects would be significantly weaker, stressing that Obi’s presence had reshaped the party’s standing.
“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,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
