A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has called for a joint presidential ticket between billionaire businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nataro, a former governorship aspirant in Kebbi State, said the pair represents a combination of private-sector expertise and public-sector discipline that could revive Nigeria’s struggling economy.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Nataro said Nigeria urgently needs leaders who understand economic management and industrial growth to tackle rising inflation, unemployment, and poverty.
“If Dangote can step down as chairman of all his conglomerates, as he recently did in two companies, Nigerians will support him to contest with Otti to industrialise Nigeria within a short period,” he said.
The APC stalwart argued that Nigeria’s recovery depends on the inclusion of reform-minded administrators and business experts in leadership.
Mallam Nataro noted that Otti’s performance in Abia State shows his commitment to transparent governance and development-driven leadership.
He also praised Otti for seeking low-interest credit facilities abroad to support infrastructure and economic projects in the state.
Nataro criticised state governments for neglecting vocational training and agriculture-based industries that could empower young people and curb social vices. “Economic initiatives that create employment will help discourage youths from street crimes and drug abuse,” he added.
On fiscal policy, he urged authorities to review revenue collection practices, especially in the Federal Capital Territory, where he said excessive charges discourage investment. “Revenue generation should be pursued cautiously and not in ways that discourage business or investment,” Nataro warned.
Nataro also advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the performance of his appointees and ensure accountability and efficiency in policy execution.
However, as at the time of this report, neither Dangote nor Governor Otti has reacted to the endorsement.
