According to a report by Punch on Sunday, April 19, 2026, former Kogi lawmaker, Dino Melaye, has stated that he is confident of defeating Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a free and fair election, while also clarifying that his current political focus is on supporting a candidate that may emerge from a coalition platform.
His remarks come at a time when discussions around opposition alliances and preparations for future elections are becoming more prominent in Nigeria’s political space.
The statement reflects both personal confidence and a broader alignment with collective political efforts aimed at contesting power at the national level.
Melaye made these comments during an interview on Mic On Podcast, a programme hosted by Seun Okinbaloye.
During the discussion, he spoke about his views on the current administration and the political environment in the country.
He used the platform to explain his position on electoral competition and the possibility of challenging the incumbent president.
While expressing his personal belief in his political strength, he also took time to outline what he described as his immediate priority, which is tied to a coalition-driven approach rather than an individual ambition at this stage.
In the course of the interview, Melaye emphasised that his confidence in winning an election against the current president is based on the assumption of a credible and transparent electoral process.
He suggested that under such conditions, the outcome of an election would reflect the will of the people.
His comments highlighted concerns about the integrity of electoral systems, which remain a recurring issue in Nigeria’s political discourse.
By focusing on the importance of a fair contest, he drew attention to the role that electoral processes play in determining political outcomes.
At the same time, Melaye clarified that his immediate political objective is not necessarily to pursue personal ambition but to contribute to a broader effort aimed at unseating the current administration.
He indicated that his support would go to any candidate that emerges from a coalition platform formed by opposition groups.
This position aligns with ongoing conversations among political actors who are exploring the possibility of forming alliances to strengthen their chances in future elections.
The idea of a coalition has been discussed as a strategy to consolidate opposition support and present a unified front.
Melaye also raised concerns about the willingness of the current administration to ensure a transparent electoral process.
He suggested that there may be resistance to conducting elections in a manner that fully reflects democratic standards.
His remarks were framed within a broader discussion about governance and political accountability, touching on issues that have been raised by different stakeholders in the country.
These concerns form part of the wider debate about how elections are organised and managed in Nigeria, especially in relation to fairness and credibility.
He said, “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.
