Former Kogi West Senator and African Democratic Congress chieftain, Dino Melaye, has argued that Peter Obi does not possess the nationwide political structure required to become Nigeria’s president.

Speaking during a recent interview, Melaye described Obi as a politician whose strongest support remains concentrated in a particular region, insisting that presidential victory in Nigeria requires broad national acceptance and well-established structures across the country.

While acknowledging Obi’s popularity and personal qualities, Melaye maintained that electoral success at the presidential level depends on a candidate’s ability to build and sustain political networks in all parts of the country.

He pointed to the constitutional requirement for presidential candidates to secure widespread support across multiple states, arguing that national political structures are critical to achieving that objective.

Melaye compared Obi with several influential political figures whom he described as having strong regional influence but facing challenges translating that support into nationwide electoral victories.

According to him, politicians such as Atiku Abubakar and President Bola Tinubu have spent decades building political networks across different regions of the country, giving them a broader national presence.

The comments come as political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to gather momentum, with major parties and candidates intensifying efforts to expand their support bases across Nigeria.

Obi remains one of the leading opposition figures expected to play a major role in the next presidential contest.

Melaye’s remarks have added to the growing debate over what will determine success in the 2027 election, with analysts focusing on the importance of national appeal, grassroots structures and coalition-building.