Fayose warns ADC risks collapse if Peter Obi not fielded in 2027

Former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, has cautioned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) could face a serious political setback if it does not nominate Peter Obi as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

The statement was made on Monday during an interview on Arise Television.

Fayose emphasized Obi’s centrality to the party, saying, “Obi is the only person in ADC that matters. When Obi went to the Labour Party, which no one knew about, the party won election to the House of Representatives. I’m not saying Obi will win this election, and I am not saying Obi cannot win this election. But I’m telling you that if ADC fails to field Obi, their case will be worse than their coming together.”

His remarks come shortly after Obi, along with other prominent South-East leaders, defected to the ADC, raising expectations that the party could emerge as a formidable force ahead of 2027.

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Political analysts note that Obi’s entry has energized the party, giving it significant momentum in key regions traditionally dominated by other major parties.

A political strategist familiar with South-East politics said, “Peter Obi’s appeal among voters, particularly the youth and middle-class, makes him a critical asset for any party. ADC’s ability to leverage his popularity could determine its relevance in the 2027 elections.”

Another analyst added, “Fayose’s warning highlights the challenge for smaller parties in Nigeria: without a high-profile candidate, they risk fading into political irrelevance. ADC must strategize carefully to translate Obi’s star power into electoral success.”

Observers say ADC’s next moves, particularly regarding candidate selection and coalition-building, will be closely watched by both supporters and political rivals as the 2027 elections approach.