Former Kogi State lawmaker and opposition figure Senator Dino Melaye has expressed his belief that he could defeat President Bola Tinubu in a credible, free, and fair election. During an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Melaye criticized the current administration and voiced his confidence in alternative candidates from the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He stated, “My brother, anybody among those interested in the presidency in ADC would do one million times better than Tinubu. They can never be a worse president than Tinubu.”
When questioned about his own electoral prospects, Melaye was assertive, declaring, “Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election. I will beat him flat in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” However, he emphasized that his immediate focus is not on personal ambition but rather on fostering 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 affirmed.
Melaye also raised concerns regarding the President’s willingness to permit a credible electoral process. He urged Tinubu to allow for a fair contest, warning, “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.” In discussing coalition talks, the former lawmaker dismissed speculation about joint tickets, asserting that the priority lies in the national interest. “I am not interested in any joint ticket or non-joint ticket; we are only interested in rescuing this country,” he stated.
Additionally, Melaye expressed worries about governance, alleging undue influence from non-elected individuals, particularly the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu. He remarked, “My son will not interfere with governance. My son will not summon DGs of parastatals and agencies of government and ministers.” He criticized the increasing visibility of Seyi Tinubu in public affairs, referencing comments made 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 noted. Melaye concluded by asserting that opposition figures are already strategizing for future elections, emphasizing that unity will be crucial in achieving their objectives.
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