I’ll defeat Tinubu in free, fair election — Dino Melaye

Former Kogi lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has said he would defeat President Bola Tinubu in a free and fair election, while clarifying that his focus remains on supporting any candidate that emerges from a coalition platform.

Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, and uploaded on Sunday, where he criticised the current administration.

“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.

He expressed confidence that the President could be defeated under a credible electoral process, noting that he could unseat him if he chose to run.

“Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election,” he stated.

Melaye went further to emphasise his confidence in his electoral strength, saying, “I will beat him flat… in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

He, however, clarified that his immediate priority is not necessarily his own ambition but the broader goal of unseating the current administration.

“My own for now is that we must send Tinubu away. Whoever emerges from consensus or from a primary, I will support,” he said.

He also alleged that the President may resist a transparent 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 dynamics, Melaye dismissed discussions around joint tickets, reiterating that the focus remains on 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 also raised concerns about governance, referencing alleged 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 further criticised what he described as the growing visibility and influence of Seyi Tinubu in public affairs, citing activities linked to the City Boy Movement and remarks 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, questioning the role of non-elected actors in governance.

Melaye maintained that opposition figures were already working strategically ahead of future elections, stressing unity as key to achieving their objective.