Former Kogi senator Dino Melaye has said he is confident of defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a credible electoral contest, insisting that a free and fair election would produce a different outcome.

Melaye made the remarks during an appearance on the “Mic On” podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye of Channels Television. In the interview, he described Tinubu as “the most unpopular” politician in Nigeria and alleged that the president is more interested in securing automatic re-election than participating in a competitive democratic process.

The former lawmaker, who is affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), argued that any of the party’s prospective presidential candidates would outperform the current administration if given the opportunity.

“Any person among those interested in the presidency in ADC will do significantly better than Tinubu,” Melaye said. “Let there be a free and fair election. Today, Bola Tinubu is the most unpopular politician in Nigeria. I will defeat him decisively.”

He further alleged that the president is reluctant to allow an open contest, adding that Nigerians would insist on a transparent electoral process.

Melaye also warned against what he described as attempts to undermine democratic principles, stating that the country would resist any move toward authoritarian leadership.

The former senator previously contested the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial election, where he finished third. The election was won by Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who secured 446,237 votes. Murtala Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) placed second with 259,052 votes, while Melaye, then candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), polled 46,362 votes.