In a candid analysis of the state of the opposition in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has said that former Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, Mr Peter Obi, is the only remaining opposition in Nigeria.
Fayose stated this on Wednesday as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today anchored by Seun Okinbaloye and monitored by our Correspont in Lagos.
He, however, maintained that no one would defeat President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.
“Tell me, who will defeat the APC? The only opposition that I know in Nigeria—let me tell you now—the only opposition, I didn’t say the opposition can win Asiwaju, but the only opposition that still has traction is Obi, no other one.
“The only voice that has traction, that is still talking, that is everywhere despite not being in government, is Obi. I give it to him. But let me tell you, all others are just filling the gap. Atiku is filling the gap, and all the others too, because people don’t listen to them anymore,” Fayose said emphatically.
The opposition leaders, including Peter Obi, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, and his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi, among others, have formed a coalition to wrest power from the APC in 2027.
The coalition has also adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the political party to carry out their mission in the 2027 elections.
Fayose, however, dismissed the ADC’s threat to the APC, saying that the opposition party 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.
The former Ekiti State governor reiterated his support for President Tinubu but clarified such support would not translate to joining his party, the APC.
Fayose revealed that that his support for the President was not for personal gain because he has had cause to reject an appointment personally offered him by President Tinubu.
“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 and doing other things that I need to do. I have served well — two-term governor — I have done well. Let tomorrow hold itself.
“I am not hobnobbing with the APC, but I have been Asiwaju’s friend and brother for a long time. That is the truth.”
