I can defeat Tinubu in free, fair election – Dino Melaye

Former Kogi lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye, has declared that he would defeat President Bola Tinubu in a credible election, while stressing that his main focus is backing a united opposition candidate.

Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, where he criticised the current administration and expressed confidence in alternative candidates.

“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.

Speaking on his own chances, the former senator insisted he could unseat the President under a transparent process.
“Me, Dino Melaye. Let’s go on a free and fair election,” he stated.
“I will beat him flat in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

Despite his confidence, Melaye said his immediate priority is not necessarily personal ambition but ensuring a united front against 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 said.

He also alleged that the President may not be willing 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, Melaye dismissed speculation about joint tickets, saying 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.

The former lawmaker also 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 further 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.