Former Kogi senator delivers blunt verdict on Obi's 2027 ambitions, calling the ex-Labour Party flagbearer a "fantastic Nigerian" — but insisting Nigeria needs a unifier, not him.

Dino Melaye has dealt a sharp blow to Peter Obi's 2027 presidential ambitions — lavishing praise on the man while slamming the door on his political aspirations.

The former Kogi West senator and ADC chieftain, speaking on Channels Television Thursday, called the ex-Labour Party flagbearer "a fantastic Nigerian" deserving of "tremendous respect" — then pivoted without hesitation: Obi simply does not have what it takes to lead Africa's most populous nation.

"Peter Obi is a fantastic Nigerian. I have tremendous respect for him — he is a fantastic person," Melaye said. “But this is not his time to be President.”

The pointed remarks land as Obi continues to publicly signal his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election, positioning himself for another high-profile run after his competitive but ultimately unsuccessful 2023 campaign.

Melaye's core charge is damning: Obi lacks the capacity to unite Nigeria — a country of over 200 million people fractured along ethnic, religious, and regional lines. In Nigerian presidential politics, the ability to build broad coalitions is widely regarded as non-negotiable.

The former senator did not elaborate on who he believes is better positioned for the nation's top job.