“Obi Is a Regional Champion” — Dino Melaye Explains Why He Can’t Be President

Former Kogi West Senatorial District lawmaker, Dino Melaye, has explained why he believes the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, cannot become Nigeria’s president in the 2027 general elections — describing the former Anambra governor as a “regional champion” rather than a nationalist with the nationwide political structure required to secure victory .

Melaye stated this during an appearance on the KAA Truths podcast on Thursday, August 13, 2026, where he discussed the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections . The former lawmaker argued that a politician perceived primarily through a regional political identity would struggle to secure the presidency in Nigeria, regardless of personal popularity or moral standing .

“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 stated .

He acknowledged that his assessment could be viewed as controversial but maintained that it reflected his understanding of Nigeria’s political dynamics . Melaye claimed that Obi’s strongest electoral support would still come from the Southeast if the presidential election were repeated, and while he acknowledged that Obi attracted votes from several states outside the Southeast during the 2023 election, he maintained that the former Anambra governor’s most significant electoral strength remained concentrated in the region .

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According to Melaye, winning votes in different parts of the country does not necessarily translate into having a nationwide political structure. He stressed the importance of grassroots mobilisation, political organisation and strong relationships with influential political actors . He further compared Obi’s position with that of politicians who have historically enjoyed strong regional backing, noting that while regional popularity can generate substantial votes, it may not be enough to secure victory in a presidential contest .

Melaye contrasted Obi with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, whom he described as a nationalist with a broader national political network, attributing this to Atiku’s long experience in Nigerian politics and his ability to command support across the country’s diverse geopolitical zones .

In a separate appearance on Channels Television in March 2026, Melaye had similarly described Obi as a “fantastic Nigerian” but insisted that “this is not his time to be President” . He suggested that Nigeria at this point needs someone who can pull the country together — “it is not just about being a good person or having a business background; it is about political maturity and the network to unite every segment of this country” .

Melaye also criticised Obi’s political history, accusing him of avoiding tough situations. In a May 2026 X post, he said: “Peter Obi excused himself from tough situation. If he can not face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria? … He has never gone through primary, APGA gave him free Governorship ticket, Atiku gave him free VP ticket, Labour gave free Presidential ticket. He can not be part of primary election, reason why he left PDP, reason why he left ADC for another free ticket in NDC” .

Obi emerged as the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 general election after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had previously served as a presidential running mate . His 2023 campaign, which was largely driven by the “Obidient” movement, attracted significant support among young Nigerians and voters in several parts of the country . Obi finished third in the 2023 presidential election, securing 6,101,533 votes, according to results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) won the election with 8,794,726 votes, while Atiku Abubakar of the PDP came second with 6,984,520 votes .

Ahead of the 2027 election, Obi has moved from the Labour Party to the NDC, joining the opposition coalition seeking to challenge the ruling APC . The development has reshaped the opposition landscape, with several prominent political figures aligning with different platforms as parties prepare for the next presidential election . Obi’s departure from the ADC, alongside other leaders like former Kano Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, followed a crisis within the ADC coalition and has positioned the NDC as a primary opposition force against President Tinubu’s APC .

It is worth noting that Melaye’s position has not been entirely consistent. In July 2022, he had released a video praising Obi and urging Nigerians to support his movement, though that same video included advice that “your time is not now” . A manipulated version of that 2022 video was recently circulated online to falsely suggest Melaye had endorsed Obi for 2027, but fact-checkers confirmed the clip was taken out of context .

The 2027 presidential election is shaping up to be a highly competitive contest, with the APC seeking to retain power, the NDC positioning itself as the main opposition challenger, and other parties such as the ADC, PDP, and Labour Party also fielding candidates . Political analysts have noted that the ability of any candidate to build a broad-based national coalition will be critical to electoral success .

“Obi Is a Regional Champion” — Dino Melaye Explains Why He Can’t Be President

Adeleke Campaign Council Protests Release of APC Assembly Candidate Arrested with Gun in Osun

The Imole Campaign Council, the campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has strongly condemned the controversial release of Babatunde Festus Komolafe, an All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate who was arrested by Nigerian Navy personnel after a gun was allegedly discovered in his vehicle — an incident that has heightened political tensions just two days before the state’s governorship election .

Komolafe, popularly known as BFK and the APC candidate for the Atakumosa East/West State Constituency, was apprehended on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in his hometown of Ifewara, Osun State . According to the campaign council, the arrest occurred during a routine search by naval personnel, who allegedly discovered an unauthorised firearm inside an APC campaign vehicle in which Komolafe and his supporters were travelling .

The arrest was no secret, as a video showing the suspects subsequently went viral on social media and attracted significant public outrage . However, the council alleged that Komolafe and his co-travellers were released shortly after their arrest due to pressure from senior APC figures .

“We gathered reliably that the arrested APC candidate and his co-perpetrators were immediately released following pressure from APC top goons,” the statement read . The council further claimed that a news outlet chronicled how the naval officer in charge “was forced to release the suspects and asked to step aside” .

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Despite its criticism of the release, the Imole Campaign Council commended the Nigerian Armed Forces, particularly the Nigerian Navy, for their professionalism and neutrality since the commencement of the governorship election campaigns . The council noted that security personnel have been proactive in arresting suspected troublemakers regardless of party affiliation .

The council, however, insisted that releasing a suspect allegedly found with an unauthorised firearm was dangerous and unacceptable . “It sends the wrong signal to political criminals whose pastime is killing and maiming,” the statement declared .

The group linked the incident to what it described as the APC’s antecedents in Osun State, alleging that just two weeks earlier, police had attacked military personnel to rescue five APC hoodlums, including the notorious APC thug Asiri Eniba, who had been arrested by the Nigerian Navy for shooting sporadically in Ile-Ife with pump-action guns .

The campaign council called on the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene in the matter, investigate what it described as a “grave injustice,” and ensure that the suspects face the law . “No politician is above the law, and no political thug should be released to keep fomenting trouble,” it concluded .

The incident comes just two days before the Osun State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, heightening political tensions in the state . The reported arrest of Komolafe and his subsequent release have raised concerns among political parties and civil society groups about security and political interference ahead of the crucial poll .

The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness had earlier raised the alarm over a deteriorating security situation in Osun, alleging that approximately 40 people had been killed in pre-election-related violence . The council also specifically accused some political actors of importing thugs and individuals impersonating security personnel into parts of Ijeshaland ahead of the election .

Additionally, the Council of the Wise of the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, led by former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola, had warned against violence ahead of the election and called on security agencies to ensure a free, fair, transparent and credible election . The council expressed grave concern over reports of loss of human lives and urged thorough investigations and prosecution of perpetrators .

Adeleke Campaign Council Protests Release of APC Assembly Candidate Arrested with Gun in Osun

Omo-Agege Escapes Assassination Attempt in Usiefrun, Six NDC Members Injured

Former Deputy President of the 9th Senate and Delta Central Senatorial candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has alleged that he narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Usiefrun, Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday, August 13, 2026 — an incident he describes as part of a “well-orchestrated campaign of violence” ahead of the 2027 elections. The former lawmaker claimed that armed men affiliated with Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori opened fire on his delegation during a ward-to-ward consultation, injuring six NDC members. Omo-Agege stated that the attack also targeted the NDC Governorship Candidate, Deacon Chris Iyovwaye, and other party leaders.

“Yesterday, Thursday, August 13, 2026, armed men affiliated with the Governor of Delta State attempted to take my life in Usiefrun. Thankfully, by God’s grace, they failed,” Omo-Agege said in a press release issued on Friday, August 14.

According to Omo-Agege, six NDC members sustained injuries in the shooting. He identified four of them as Mr. Believe Biadoyo, Mr. Joshua Oghenetega Oyibocha, Owhos Peter, and Ojiyovwin Dennis.

The Senator alleged that eyewitness accounts and video evidence identified the alleged masterminds as Hon. Simon Mudi, also known as “TEMPLE,” a Protocol Officer to Governor Oborevwori; Mr. Flash Oghenetega Origbon; Mr. Ochuko Origbon; and Mr. Alex Awherhurho. He further alleged that all four individuals are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State.

Omo-Agege linked Thursday’s incident to two earlier attacks he had flagged on July 29 — an alleged assault on Hon. Temple Mudi at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, and an attack on Deacon Chris Iyovwaye in Agholokpe. He described the sequence of events as part of a coordinated campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

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“On July 29, I raised the alarm about the rising violence in Delta. It was no longer a series of isolated incidents. Today, that warning has come to pass,” he stated. “Agholokpe happened. Effurun happened. Now Usiefrun. This is a pattern. Our warning has become evidence,” he added.

Significantly, the political tensions had already drawn an official response days before the Usiefrun incident. On August 11, 2026 — just two days before the alleged Usiefrun attack — the Delta State Government suspended the Commissioner for Works (Highway and Urban Roads), Reuben Izeze, indefinitely over allegations linking him to the assault on Simon Mudi at PTI, Effurun. The state government announced the suspension in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, saying it was “to enable the security agencies to carry out an unbiased investigation of allegations associating him with the assault on the Senior Special Assistant on Protocol, Mr Simon Mudi.” A High Court sitting in Effurun had earlier remanded the embattled commissioner for 14 days over the alleged attack on Temple.

Omo-Agege seized on this development, noting the irony that Hon. Temple Mudi, who was earlier reported as a victim in Effurun, has now been named as a mastermind in Usiefrun.

The NDC candidate called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Delta State Commissioner of Police to arrest and prosecute the named individuals immediately. He also demanded that the Delta State Government suspend any appointee linked to the attack and urged security agencies to investigate the Agholokpe, Effurun, and Usiefrun cases as connected events.

Omo-Agege gave Governor Oborevwori 48 hours to publicly condemn the attack and ensure arrests, warning that “silence will be seen as complicity.” He also appealed to INEC, civil society organisations, and the international community to deploy observers to Delta Central, which he described as “unsafe” ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, in a swift reaction, Mr. Simon Mudi, the Senior Special Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Protocol, debunked the allegations, describing them as “malicious and baseless.” Speaking via telephone on Friday, August 14, Mudi challenged the Senator to produce the video evidence he allegedly referenced on his Facebook page and insisted that no such incident occurred. Mudi made it clear that he is presently receiving medical treatment in Asaba and could not possibly have been present at Usiefrun at the time of the alleged attack. He questioned how Omo-Agege and his associates could claim to have sighted him at the location when he was confined to the state capital for health reasons. He further clarified his identity and origins, stating firmly that he is an indigene of Ekakpamre community and has no residential or ancestral connection to Usiefrun, contrary to the senator’s assertion.

In a scathing assessment of the senator’s motives, Temple accused Omo-Agege of premature political desperation. He said the senator was already “wailing ahead of his looming failure” in the 2027 general elections, describing the outburst as both premature and revealing of deep insecurity. Temple predicted that Omo-Agege would suffer a decisive defeat at the hands of Senator Ede Dafinone, advising him to wait until after the polls before issuing such complaints.

As of the time of this report, there has been no official response from Governor Oborevwori’s office or the Delta State Government on the Usiefrun allegations. Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement confirming or denying the reported attack.

Despite the attack, Omo-Agege said the NDC would continue its ward-to-ward engagements. He urged his supporters not to retaliate, stating: “We refuse to be intimidated or silenced. Do not retaliate. Do not live in fear. Violence will not stop us. We will win on our ideas and our record, because Delta deserves capable leadership.” He concluded: “On July 29, I called it ‘a shame.’ Today, it is an assassination attempt and an assault on our democracy. Enough is enough.”

Omo-Agege Escapes Assassination Attempt in Usiefrun, Six NDC Members Injured