RismadarVoice Reporters, April 2, 2026
Former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Dino Melaye, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Melaye alleged that the President prefers a “coronation” rather than a democratic election, claiming that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is increasingly threatened by the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable opposition platform.
Speaking during in an interview, the former lawmaker stated that President Tinubu’s political disposition suggests a preference for a monarchical system rather than a democratic one.
“President Bola Tinubu wants to be coronated; he doesn’t want an election. He wants us to practise a monarchical system of government,” Melaye said.
According to him, the APC has become increasingly desperate as it recognizes the ADC as the only opposition party capable of posing a serious challenge in the 2027 elections.
“The APC has become so desperate, seeing that the ADC is the only opposition in Nigeria that can challenge them in 2027,” he added.
Melaye also referenced statements allegedly made by Tinubu during the 2023 election campaign, when the President declared that it was his “turn” to lead Nigeria. He argued that such remarks reflect a mindset that undermines democratic principles.
“With what he said in 2023 that it is his turn, it shows that he is not democratic enough. Only a mafian will talk like that,” the former senator said.
He further accused the President of attempting to consolidate power through undemocratic means, warning that such actions could threaten Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“He is trying to stifle power by force. He doesn’t want to be elected; he wants to be coronated,” Melaye alleged.
He called on Nigerians and members of the opposition to resist what he described as attempts to weaken democracy in the country, urging citizens to remain vigilant and ready to defend democratic values.
“We are going to fight this. We will be on the streets to ensure that democracy remains in this country, government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” he said.
