Peter Obi Can’t Be President” — Dino Melaye Reveals His Reason!

Melaye, a former senator who represented Kogi West Senatorial District, made the comment during an interview on the KAA Truths podcast on Thursday.

The former lawmaker described Obi as a “regional champion”, arguing that such a political identity would make it difficult for him to secure the presidency.

According to Melaye, Atiku Abubakar, the ADC presidential candidate, has a stronger chance of winning the presidency because he is, in his view, a nationalist with broader political appeal.

Melaye acknowledged that his assessment of Obi could sound controversial or offensive but insisted that it reflected his interpretation of Nigeria’s political landscape.

He also referenced the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, describing him as an exceptional and highly accomplished leader. However, Melaye argued that Awolowo’s strong regional political identity limited his ability to secure nationwide support during his presidential ambitions.

He said, “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.”

Speaking about Awolowo, Melaye added, “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 in the Southwest because he’s not a nationalist in that regard of politics.”