BREAKING: Northerner Pushes for Dangote–Otti Presidential Ticket ahead of 2027

Northerner Pushes for Dangote–Otti Presidential Ticket ahead of 2027

 

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate in Kebbi State, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has called on Nigerians to consider a joint presidential ticket featuring Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, Nataro said a Dangote–Otti ticket would provide the kind of economic leadership needed to address Nigeria’s mounting challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and weak industrial capacity.

 

According to him, both men have demonstrated competence in enterprise management and governance, making them credible candidates for national leadership.

 

“If Dangote can step down as chairman of all his conglomerates, as he has already done with two companies, Nigerians will gladly support him to contest alongside Otti. Together, they can industrialise Nigeria within a short period,” Nataro said.

 

The APC stalwart, who also describes himself as a public sector reform advocate, criticised state governments for failing to prioritise vocational training, agriculture, and youth empowerment — areas he identified as critical to curbing crime and social unrest.

 

He warned that widespread unemployment and hunger were fueling drug abuse and insecurity among young people, stressing that “only aggressive economic reforms can reduce the frustration in the country.”

 

Nataro praised Governor Otti for his transparent and reform-driven approach to governance in Abia State, citing his efforts to attract low-interest credit facilities from the United Arab Emirates as an example of foresight and accountability.

 

He further argued that an Otti presidency would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, including the EFCC, ICPC, and Code of Conduct Bureau, ensuring that those indicted for graft are not recycled into government.

 

On Aliko Dangote, Nataro said the billionaire industrialist had already proven his capacity to drive economic growth across Africa and should be encouraged to take on a higher leadership role in Nigeria.

 

“People who have built wealth like Dangote and Otti would never embark on punitive measures that discourage investment,” he said, while also cautioning the government against what he described as “forceful revenue collection” in the Federal Capital Territory.

 

Although he acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts at economic stabilisation, Nataro said progress was slow due to what he termed “a lack of enthusiasm” among some presidential appointees. He urged the president to cleanse his cabinet of “liars, looters, and deceivers” in order to rebuild public trust.

 

Reiterating his call for prudent governance, reduced public spending, and responsible borrowing, Nataro concluded:

 

“Nigeria needs leaders with proven competence and compassion, not career politicians. A Dangote–Otti ticket, if it ever happens, will represent a new dawn for Nigeria’s economy.”