Former Kogi lawmaker, Dino Melaye, has declared that he could defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a credible election, while emphasising that his immediate priority is supporting a united opposition ahead of the 2027 polls.
Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where he criticised the current administration and expressed confidence in alternative candidates within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“My brother, anybody among those interested in presidency in ADC would do one million times better than Tinubu. They can never be a worse president than Tinubu,” he said.
Speaking on his personal ambition, the former senator insisted he could unseat the President under a transparent electoral process.
“Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election,” he stated. “I will beat him flat in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Despite his confidence, Melaye noted that his focus is not necessarily on personal ambition but on building a united front against the current government.
“My own for now is that we must send Tinubu away. Whoever emerges from consensus or from a primary, I will support,” he added.
He also alleged that the President may not be willing to allow a credible electoral process, insisting that opposition forces would demand a free and fair contest.
On coalition talks, Melaye dismissed speculation about joint tickets, stating that the overriding objective is national interest.
“I am not interested in any joint ticket or non-joint ticket; we are only interested in rescuing this country,” he said.
The former lawmaker further raised concerns about governance, alleging undue influence by non-elected individuals, particularly the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu.
“My son will not interfere with governance. My son will not summon DGs of parastatals and agencies of government and ministers,” he said.
He also referenced comments by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka while criticising what he described as the growing visibility of Seyi Tinubu in public affairs.
Melaye maintained that opposition figures are already strategising ahead of future elections, stressing that unity will be key to achieving their objective.
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