APC Chieftain, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro Advocates Dangote–Otti Presidential Ticket for 2027, Says Duo Can Stabilise Nigeria’s Economy

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governorship candidate in Kebbi State, Mallam Salihu Isa Nataro, has stirred political discourse by calling for a 2027 presidential ticket pairing Africa’s richest businessman, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, with Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti.

According to Nataro, such a formidable combination has the potential to stabilise Nigeria’s fragile economy and set the nation on a path of industrial resurgence.

In a statement he personally signed and released in Abuja on Sunday, the APC stalwart said Nigeria urgently needed leaders with deep knowledge of economic management to confront the challenges of unemployment, hunger, and poverty currently ravaging the nation.

He stressed that the country’s recovery could only be achieved through a blend of industrial expertise and reform-minded leadership, adding that “the experience of industrialists and reform-oriented administrators could support efforts to revive production and reduce youth restiveness.”

Nataro further remarked, “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.”

The former APC governorship aspirant also took a swipe at state governments, accusing them of neglecting critical areas such as vocational training, agriculture-based industries, and capacity-building initiatives that could drive sustainable employment.

He stated, “Economic initiatives that create employment will help discourage youths from street crimes and drug abuse.”

Highlighting Governor Otti’s leadership style, Nataro described the Abia State governor as a results-driven reformer who has demonstrated genuine commitment to economic development and transparency. He cited Otti’s initiatives to secure low-interest credit facilities abroad as a proactive step toward boosting state development and infrastructure.

On the other hand, he lauded Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s monumental contributions to industrial growth across Africa, noting that his vast experience in managing large-scale enterprises could help inform sound economic policies at the national level.

Turning to fiscal policy, the APC chieftain supported fair taxation practices but condemned what he termed the blanket collection of ground rent and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) fees in certain parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He cautioned, “Revenue generation should be pursued cautiously and not in ways that discourage business or investment. Collection of accumulated ground rent should be done in instalments to reduce the burden on residents and companies.”

While acknowledging the federal government’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy, Nataro stressed that the scale of Nigeria’s challenges required stronger policy coordination and responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

He, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to review the performance of his appointees and place renewed emphasis on efficiency, accountability, and transparency in the execution of government policies.

With his bold suggestion of a Dangote–Otti ticket, Mallam Nataro has reignited the national conversation on leadership competence and economic revival, calling for a new class of visionary leaders to steer Nigeria toward progress and prosperity.