Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has argued that the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, cannot become Nigeria’s president because of what he described as his regional political appeal.
Melaye made the remarks while appearing on the KAA Truths podcast on Thursday, where he assessed the political standing of leading contenders ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to him, the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has a broader national appeal, while Obi remains what he described as a regional champion.
“Atiku is a nationalist. Obi is a regional champion. It may sound awkward. It may sound offensive but Obi is a good man and he’s my friend. I have respect for him but he’s a regional champion and no regional champion in this country will ever be president,” he said.
Melaye acknowledged that his position could be considered controversial but maintained that it reflected his assessment of Nigeria’s political structure and the factors that influence presidential elections.
The former lawmaker also referenced the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, describing him as an outstanding leader whose regional political identity, according to Melaye, affected his chances of becoming Nigeria’s president.
“Awolowo, fantastic man, brilliant, exquisite, cosmopolitan, leader par excellence but he was a regional champion. He contested for the presidency of this country, he could only win convincingly only in the Southwest, because he’s not a nationalist in that regard of politics,” Melaye added.
