Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has predicted that former vice president Atiku Abubakar is likely to get the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential ticket.
According to Fayose, while Peter Obi is talented and respected, becoming president at this point remains challenging.
Speaking at the PDP National Convention, Fayose described Obi, a former two-term governor of Anambra State, as an exceptional political figure whose presence can shape election outcomes.
He warned that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) may face collapse if Peter Obi does not secure the party’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election.
Fayose pointed out that Obi played a key role in the 2023 general elections but suggested that ADC would struggle without him on the ballot next year.
He noted that with other political movements, including the return of Rabiu Kwankwaso to the party, Obi’s influence might not be enough if he does not lead ADC.
The former governor also dismissed any chance of Obi returning to the Labour Party, citing divisions within the party.
Peter Obi left the PDP on May 25, 2022, to join the Labour Party, where he became the party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 elections, ultimately finishing behind President Bola Tinubu and closely trailing Atiku Abubakar.
Fayose argued that Obi’s appeal is personal rather than party-driven, suggesting that if Obi joined another party like Accord, his influence could surpass that of ADC.
He said: “If Obi is not on the ballot of ADC, that is the end of ADC. It looks like that now that Obi will not [be on the ballot]. Today, Kwankwaso has returned to the party. Atiku will get the ticket. Will Obi go back to be a vice presidential candidate? That is impossible; there is a wedge everywhere.
“Obi is a good, fantastic guy, but to become president at this time is difficult. PDP is not Obi. Obi did not ride on the strength of his party. If Obi goes to Accord now, he will make some impact more than ADC. We are talking about a person.”
