Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has offered a pointed assessment of the opposition landscape ahead of the next election cycle, predicting that Peter Obi will not make it onto the presidential ballot under the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Fayose said he believes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is better positioned to secure the party’s ticket, citing his political experience and longstanding influence within Nigeria’s opposition politics.
“Peter Obi would not be on the ballot at the end of it; Atiku will get the ticket,” Fayose stated, referring specifically to internal developments within the ADC.
The former governor’s remarks highlight ongoing uncertainty and competition within opposition ranks, as political actors continue to realign and seek viable platforms ahead of future elections. Fayose’s position suggests that despite Obi’s popularity among certain voter groups, especially younger Nigerians and urban voters, he may face significant hurdles in clinching the ADC nomination.
By contrast, Fayose implied that Atiku’s deep political network, name recognition, and history within national politics could give him an edge in securing the ticket. His comments also reflect broader debates within opposition circles about electability, party structure, and the ability to mount a credible challenge in the next presidential race.
The statement adds to growing speculation about how opposition parties will consolidate or fragment, with the ADC increasingly seen as a potential platform for major political figures seeking new alliances.