Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, has warned that Peter Obi could struggle in the 2027 presidential election if opposition parties fail to unite behind a single candidate.
Fayose spoke during an interview on TVC News’ Politics Tonight on Tuesday. He discussed the political realignments taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections. The former governor said multiple opposition candidates could split the votes against the All Progressives Congress. He argued that such a division could strengthen the ruling party’s chances. Fayose recalled his warning before the 2023 presidential election. According to him, a three-way contest would favour the ruling party.
“You see, in 2023 I said the moment you have three-horse race in one election, it has repeated itself again,” Fayose said.
Fayose criticises Obi’s exit from ADC
Fayose also criticised Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress. He said the move weakened the chances of a united opposition against the APC. According to Fayose, the opposition had a stronger chance of making an impact when its major figures were together under the ADC.
“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 stated.
However, Fayose acknowledged Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election. He described the former Anambra State governor as a politician who had contributed significantly to national discussions.
“Obi was a fantastic Nigerian who has made his marks, who has shown that things can get better,” he said.
He added that opposition parties would continue to struggle if they failed to work together.
“But when opposition, when they don’t come together, they will continue to lose.”
Fayose also said Obi’s political strategy was now familiar to his opponents after the 2023 election.
“Everybody has seen Obi’s strategy,” he said.
Fayose rules out opposition withdrawal
The former governor also dismissed the possibility of opposition presidential candidates stepping down before the 2027 election to support a single candidate..
“It’s too late now,” Fayose said. “INEC has accredited everybody. Even if you say you are not doing again, you’re on your own.”
“You have put your feet in the water. You can’t get out. You have gotten wet already,” he added.
Fayose predicts Tinubu’s 2027 victory
Fayose also assessed President Bola Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 presidential election. He said the current political situation in the South-West appears favourable to the President. He pointed to the support Tinubu has received from prominent political figures in the region. Fayose also said the voting pattern from the 2023 election could work in Tinubu’s favour.
“In the West alone, Tinubu will get close to about four million votes,” Fayose projected.
He further predicted that Tinubu could secure about 65 per cent of the votes if the current alliances and voting patterns remain unchanged.
“When you look at the pattern of the last election, Tinubu will win this election close to about 65%,” Fayose said.
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