Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has stated that the Peoples Democratic Party is no longer Nigeria’s main opposition party, attributing its decline to internal conflicts.
Ayodele Fayose
File Copy: Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose
He also highlighted former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as a significant political figure to watch ahead of the 2027 elections, noting that Obi’s move to the African Democratic Congress has increased the party’s prominence.
Fayose shared these views in an interview with Arise News, where he discussed the state of opposition politics, the PDP’s internal problems, and the growing influence of other political groups.
Regarding why the PDP has lost its leading position, Fayose blamed internal weaknesses rather than the ruling All Progressives Congress, according to Arise News on Monday.
“You must be very honest. When you are weak, tendencies are there for you to fall to the right of the stronger side,” he stated.
He rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu was responsible for the PDP’s difficulties, saying: “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.”
Describing the PDP as internally divided, Fayose remarked: “The issues are very clear. The PDP is a house that is divided against itself.”
Turning to the broader opposition landscape, Fayose said Nigeria generally has two dominant parties at a time and pointed to the African Democratic Congress following Obi’s reported switch.
“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 asked about other figures, such as Atiku Abubakar, being linked to the platform, Fayose said: “I’m not saying they are not human beings, I’m saying they are largely spent forces.”
Fayose stressed Obi’s unique influence: “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.”
He added that Obi’s presence alone has enhanced the party’s relevance: “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.”
