Former Kogi State lawmaker and opposition figure Senator Dino Melaye has declared he could defeat President Bola Tinubu in a credible, free and fair election, while reiterating his commitment to supporting a united opposition candidate in future polls.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Melaye criticised the current administration and expressed confidence in alternative candidates from 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.
When asked about his own chances, Melaye was emphatic: “Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election. I will beat him flat in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Despite his bold assertions, Melaye stressed that his immediate priority is not personal ambition but ensuring a united opposition front to unseat 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 stated.
Melaye also alleged that the President may be unwilling to allow a credible electoral process. “Let him allow a free and fair contest. And if he doesn’t allow it, we will make him conduct our election. Because he doesn’t want election. He wants to be Kabiyesi. He wants to be Igwe,” he added.
On coalition talks, the former lawmaker dismissed speculation about joint tickets, emphasising that the priority 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.
Melaye 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 criticised what he described as the growing visibility of Seyi Tinubu in public affairs, referencing comments by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka. “Even our respected Wole Soyinka complained about him. You have seen the City Boy Movement and what they are doing,” he said.
Melaye maintained that opposition figures are already strategising ahead of future elections, stressing that unity will be key to achieving their goal.
