Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has poured cold water on the presidential ambition of former Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi, insisting that the 2027 presidency is not meant for him.
Melaye, who spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, described Obi as a “fantastic Nigerian” but argued that the ex-Anambra governor lacks the requisite capacity to unify the country at this critical time.
Peter Obi has consistently maintained his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, relying on the massive followership he garnered during the 2023 polls, particularly among young Nigerians.
“But let me even tell you, Peter Obi is a fantastic Nigerian. I have tremendous respect for him, and I’ve said it before, he is a fantastic person, but this is not his time to be President,” Melaye stated.
When pressed further on his reasons, Melaye, a fiery politician known for his outspoken nature, suggested that the presidency requires a leader with a broader national appeal and the ability to bridge the country’s ethnic and religious divides.
“Nigeria at this point needs someone who can pull the country together. It is not just about being a good person or having a business background; it is about political maturity and the network to unite every segment of this country,” he added.
Melaye, who was a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the party’s governorship candidate in the last Kogi State election, lost to the incumbent Governor Ahmed Ododo.
His comment is likely to stir reactions from the Obidient movement, a passionate support base loyal to the former Labour Party candidate. While Melaye did not explicitly declare support for any particular candidate, his remarks signal a potential crack in the opposition’s posture ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi, who came third in the 2023 presidential race behind President Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar, has yet to officially respond to Melaye’s assessment of his candidacy.
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