2027 General Election: Northerner Pushes For Dangote–Otti Presidential Ticket

By: Israel Adeleke

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports as gathered that ahead of the 2027 general elections, 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.

OTN News further reports as gathered that Nataro who made this call while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, said that a Dangote–Otti ticket would provide the kind of visionary and pragmatic leadership Nigeria urgently needs to tackle its deepening economic challenges, including unemployment, poverty, and weak industrial productivity.

According to him, both men have demonstrated proven competence in enterprise management and governance, making them credible candidates capable of steering Nigeria toward prosperity.

“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 stated.

The APC chieftain, who is also a public sector reform advocate, criticised state governments for neglecting vocational training, agriculture, and youth empowerment sectors, which he described as vital to curbing unemployment, drug abuse, and insecurity.

He argued that “only aggressive economic reforms can reduce the frustration in the country,” warning that widespread poverty and hunger are driving many young Nigerians into crime and substance abuse.

Nataro praised Governor Otti for what he called his “transparent and reform-driven” approach to governance in Abia State, noting his efforts to attract low-interest credit facilities from the United Arab Emirates as a model of accountability and foresight.

He expressed confidence that an Otti presidency would strengthen Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau, to ensure that individuals indicted for graft are not returned to government positions.

Speaking on Aliko Dangote, Nataro said that the billionaire industrialist has already demonstrated his capacity to drive industrial growth and economic inclusion across Africa, urging Nigerians to encourage him to take on a national leadership role.

He said, “people who have built wealth like Dangote and Otti would never embark on punitive measures that discourage investment.

He also warned the federal government against “forceful revenue collection” in the Federal Capital Territory.

Although he commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic stabilisation efforts, Nataro lamented what he called the “lack of enthusiasm” among some presidential appointees, which he believes has slowed down the pace of progress.

He urged the president to overhaul his cabinet and remove “liars, looters, and deceivers” to rebuild public trust and restore efficiency in governance.

Reiterating his call for prudent management of public resources, Nataro advocated for reduced government spending and responsible borrowing, stressing that Nigeria needs competent leaders who understand both governance and enterprise.

“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.” he concluded.