By Sunday Ameh
Former Kogi State Senator, Dino Melaye, has described former Anambra State governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, as a “regional champion”, arguing that such a political identity could limit his chances of becoming Nigeria’s president.
Melaye made the remark on his official Facebook page while assessing Nigeria’s political landscape and comparing Obi with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as a nationalist.
According to him, although Obi is a good man and someone he respects, his political influence remains largely regional.
“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,” Melaye said.
The former lawmaker also referenced the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, describing him as a brilliant and exceptional politician whose regional political identity, according to him, affected his presidential ambitions.
“Awolowo, fantastic man, brilliant, exquisite, cosmopolitan, leader par excellence, but he was a regional champion,” Melaye said.
He argued that Awolowo’s presidential campaigns struggled to secure broad national support, noting that the former Western Region premier won convincingly in the South-West but faced difficulties expanding his political appeal beyond the region.
Melaye’s comments are likely to generate debate among supporters of Obi and other political blocs, particularly as Nigeria’s political parties and potential presidential contenders begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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