Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has emerged as an unlikely champion of Labour Party leader Peter Obi, declaring him the unequivocal force in Nigeria’s opposition arena. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, on Wednesday October 15, 2025, Fayose stated, “The only person that has traction is Peter Obi; all others are filling the gaps,” positioning the 2023 presidential contender as the singular beacon of resistance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
This endorsement, from a PDP heavyweight, underscores Obi’s enduring appeal amid a fragmented opposition landscape marked by defections and disillusionment.Fayose’s praise for Obi contrasts sharply with his dim view of other aspirants, including former PDP flagbearer Atiku Abubakar, whom he implicitly critiqued as peripheral.
Obi, Fayose argued, commands genuine grassroots momentum, unencumbered by the baggage of intra-party squabbles that have plagued traditional opposition outfits. “Peter Obi is the only opposition in Nigeria today,” the ex-governor affirmed, attributing this status to Obi’s ability to galvanize diverse demographics through his focus on economic prudence and anti-corruption advocacy.
Despite this acclaim, Fayose tempered optimism by forecasting an APC victory in 2027, suggesting Obi’s traction alone may not suffice against entrenched incumbency.The context of Fayose’s comments is enriched by his recent revelation of rejecting a federal appointment from President Tinubu, reaffirming his independence from ruling party overtures.
This stance lends credence to his portrayal of Obi as an authentic counterweight, untainted by the PDP’s ongoing implosion. Obi’s 2023 campaign, which mobilized youth and urban voters under the “Obidient” banner, continues to echo, even as the Labour Party navigates its own challenges.
Fayose’s analysis highlights how Obi’s narrative of transformative governance resonates in a nation grappling with inflation and insecurity, outshining rivals mired in legacy disputes.As the 2027 elections loom, Fayose’s endorsement could signal a potential realignment in opposition dynamics, with Obi potentially bridging divides across party lines.
Yet, the former governor’s realism tempers any revolutionary fervor, emphasizing the APC’s formidable machinery. For Obi and his supporters, this validation from a political veteran like Fayose bolsters their strategy of sustained mobilization. In a polarized polity, Obi’s “traction” represents not just electoral viability but a broader yearning for accountable leadership, challenging stakeholders to rethink alliances in pursuit of national renewal. See, More, Here>>>
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