April 2 2026

Former Senator Dino Melaye has criticised the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, questioning the legitimacy of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory and describing his performance in his hometown as inadequate.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Melaye argued that despite winning the election, Tinubu’s results in certain areas raise concerns about public acceptance and electoral credibility. He pointed specifically to Iragbiji in Osun State, widely regarded as Tinubu’s hometown, where he claimed the President secured only 36 percent of the votes cast.

According to Melaye, such a figure is not only underwhelming but symbolic of what he described as a broader legitimacy issue facing the current administration. He likened the performance to an “F9,” a grading term commonly used in Nigeria to indicate failure in academic assessments.

“Even with all the rigging, Tinubu won with 36% of the votes cast. Even in his village where he came from, in Iragbiji in Osun State, his original place of birth, 36% is F9,” Melaye stated during the interview.

The former lawmaker further argued that the result reflects a disconnect between the President and the electorate, even within his perceived stronghold. He maintained that such outcomes call for deeper reflection on voter confidence and political representation.

Melaye also used the opportunity to caution against what he described as attempts to impose authoritarian tendencies on Nigerians. He stressed that citizens would resist any effort to undermine democratic principles or suppress dissenting voices.

“We will not allow one man to force his ideas, his opinion, his totalitarian tendencies on Nigerians, right? It will not happen,” he said, emphasizing the need to protect democratic values and ensure that governance remains accountable to the people.

Naija news channel