A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dino Melaye, has declared that the party will defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, urging President Bola Tinubu and his family to prepare to leave the Presidential Villa.
Melaye made the declaration during an interview with Arise TV on Monday, where he criticised the Tinubu administration over what he described as worsening hardship, insecurity, hunger and poor governance.
The former senator expressed confidence in the ADC’s prospects, saying Nigerians were dissatisfied with the current administration and ready for a change of government.
According to him, the party’s strategy for winning the 2027 election was straightforward because “the people are with us.”
He said Nigerians were tired of what he described as maladministration, excessive borrowing and the failure to properly implement successive budgets.
Melaye also alleged that despite government borrowing to finance its budgets, several contractors whose projects had been awarded remained unpaid.
He questioned the administration’s handling of public finances, alleging that some aspects of the 2024 budget were still being implemented in 2026.
The ADC chieftain argued that the economic hardship, insecurity, killings and alleged corruption had widened the gap between the government and Nigerians.
He said the electorate was closely monitoring developments and would have the opportunity to express its dissatisfaction through the ballot box in 2027.
Melaye further accused the Tinubu administration of creating an atmosphere in which Nigerians had become fearful of government rather than government being concerned about public reaction.
He also criticised alleged comments attributed to the President concerning the conduct of politics, including rigging, violence and ballot snatching.
The former lawmaker said such remarks, if made, were inappropriate for a President who should serve as an example to younger Nigerians.
Melaye predicted that the 2027 election would produce a change of government, warning Tinubu and members of his household to prepare to vacate the Presidential Villa.
He said, “I’m telling you that the results will tell in January. The President and his family members should begin to pack their luggage and things from the Villa, including those in the boys’ quarters of the Villa, because there will be a change of government.”
Melaye resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party in July 2025 and joined the ADC.
He had previously served as spokesperson for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar.
Since joining the ADC, Melaye has emerged as one of its prominent voices and has been involved in the party’s political and legal battles ahead of the 2027 elections.