Only Opposition Left In Nigeria Is Obi, Says Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has declared that the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remains the only credible opposition voice in Nigeria, dismissing other opposition figures as irrelevant ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking on Channels Television Politics Today on Wednesday, Fayose said despite Obi’s growing influence, no politician or party can defeat President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

“Tell me, who will defeat the APC?” Fayose asked.

“The only opposition that I know in Nigeria, the only opposition that still has traction, is Obi. I didn’t say the opposition can win Asiwaju, but Obi is the only one people still listen to. Atiku and others are just filling the gap because people don’t listen to them anymore.”

The former governor’s remark comes amid reports that leading opposition figures, including Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi, have formed a coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge the APC in 2027.

But Fayose dismissed the coalition’s chances, saying the ADC “is going nowhere.”

“Listen to me, ADC, they are our old friends, senior colleagues, junior colleagues. Let me tell you that ADC is going nowhere,” he said.

Fayose, a two-term governor and former strong critic of the APC, reiterated his support for President Tinubu, clarifying that his stance is not for personal benefit.

“Have you seen me taking an appointment from the APC? Asiwaju asked me, ‘Oshoko, what would we give you?’ I said, ‘Nothing, sir.’ At 65, I would rather be at home being more responsible. I have served well as a two-term governor, I have done well. Let tomorrow hold itself,” he said.

While maintaining that he has been Tinubu’s “friend and brother for a long time,” Fayose denied claims that his support means he has joined the ruling party.

He also absolved President Tinubu of any role in the current crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as “dead,” saying he would not be among those trying to revive it.

According to him, the few governors still in the PDP are already considering defection, following the recent moves by Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah and Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri to join the APC.

“Tinubu should not be blamed for the problems in the PDP,” Fayose said, insisting that the party’s internal decay, not presidential interference, is to blame for its collapse.