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Former Kogi West lawmaker Dino Melaye has shared his perspective on why Peter Obi, standard-bearer for the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), cannot attain the presidency, contrasting him with African Democratic Congress (ADC) hopeful Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking as a guest on the KAA Truths podcast on Thursday, Melaye characterized Obi as a sectional leader rather than a pan-Nigerian candidate, asserting that regional figures cannot secure the country’s highest office. In contrast, he identified Atiku Abubakar as a genuine nationalist.
While acknowledging that his assessment might spark backlash, Melaye stated, “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.”
To support his political thesis, the former senator invoked the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, praising his intellect and cosmopolitan background while arguing that a narrow geographic appeal ultimately hindered his presidential aspirations.
“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.
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