Obi lost 2027 chance the day he left ADC — Fayose

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has stated that Peter Obi's chances in the 2027 presidential election were weakened the moment he left the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Fayose articulated this view during an interview on TVC News' Politics Tonight, where he assessed the opposition's prospects ahead of the upcoming general elections.

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When they were all together in ADC, I would tell anybody that they will make an impact. The day Obi left ADC for NDC, that day Obi lost.

Fayose contended that the decision by Obi and other opposition figures to move away from the ADC undermined the potential for a unified challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). "When they were all together in ADC, I would tell anybody that they will make an impact. The day Obi left ADC for NDC, that day Obi lost," Fayose asserted. While describing Obi as a "fantastic Nigerian" who has made significant contributions, Fayose emphasized that the opposition's failure to remain united would continue to hinder its electoral success.

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But when opposition, when they don’t come together, they will continue to lose.

He further commented on the current political landscape, noting that it is too late for the opposition to consolidate, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already accredited candidates. "It’s too late now. INEC has accredited everybody. Even if you say you are not doing again, you’re on your own," he said, using the analogy, "You have put your feet in the water. You can’t get out. You have gotten wet already."

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It’s too late now. INEC has accredited everybody. Even if you say you are not doing again, you’re on your own.

Regarding President Bola Tinubu's prospects for 2027, Fayose predicted a favorable outcome in the South-West region. He cited the current political dynamics and the support of prominent regional leaders, projecting that Tinubu could secure approximately four million votes from the South-West, based on the 2023 presidential election's voting patterns. Fayose also addressed claims of electoral malpractice in the recent Osun governorship election, criticizing the notion that only one political camp was responsible. He pointed to evidence of vote-buying involving supporters from the APC, Peoples Democratic Party, and Accord Party, describing it as "mere desperation" and a systemic problem requiring collective responsibility.

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In the West alone, Tinubu will get close to about four million votes.