2027: ADC Will Produce A Candidate To Unseat Tinubu – Dino Melaye

Former Senator Dino Melaye has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is on a determined path to produce a formidable presidential candidate capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Melaye described the ADC as more than just a political party — but as a national platform born out of conscience and urgency.

“Those of us in the ADC need to create a comfortable, stable platform,” Melaye said. “And I believe that platform will produce a candidate that will unseat President Ahmed Bola Tinubu in 2027.” He emphasized the need for internal stability within the party before throwing support behind any presidential hopeful. “I will not be talking about a presidential candidate or aspirant or preference for anybody until we get the party completely stabilised and organise a transparent convention,” he added.

Melaye’s remarks come amid growing efforts by opposition figures to reposition the ADC as a central force in Nigeria’s political landscape. He portrayed the party as a moral movement rather than a typical political machine, saying those who have joined were moved by conscience and a desire to rescue the nation from worsening economic and political conditions

ADC Opposition Coalition Gains Momentum

On July 2, 2025, a major opposition coalition threw its weight behind the ADC as a unifying platform to challenge the dominance of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections. Political heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Dino Melaye himself were part of the groundbreaking gathering that saw the formal adoption of the ADC as the coalition’s new political home.

The coalition’s strategy appears to be rooted in consolidating the fragmented opposition under one party to avoid vote-splitting that has historically benefited the ruling party. Former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola were unveiled as interim national chairman and secretary of the coalition respectively, further lending credibility and weight to the movement.

However, the APC has dismissed the coalition’s efforts. Former APC National Secretary Iyiola Omisore argued that the alliance is bound to collapse under the weight of internal rivalries and individual ambitions, particularly over the coveted 2027 presidential ticket. Despite this, Melaye remains unfazed, stating, “Not everybody in ADC is a saint, but everybody who moved into ADC is concerned about Nigeria.”

A ‘National Altar Call’ for Conscience-Driven Politics

Using strong religious imagery, Dino Melaye referred to the ADC as a “national altar call” — a phrase intended to signify a moral awakening in Nigerian politics. According to the former Kogi senator, those joining the ADC are not doing so for selfish political gain but out of deep concern for the country’s future.

“Why Nigerians should think differently about the ADC is that once there’s an altar call in the church of God—only those who are emotionally affected, have conscience, and are ready to leave darkness and move into light respond,” Melaye explained.

He acknowledged that while the party is not perfect, it serves as a sanctuary for Nigerians who are “ready to leave darkness.” He urged citizens to consider the long-term implications of their political decisions and to rally behind a party that embodies ethical and people-centered governance. “We want to be able to answer questions from our grandchildren who will ask us, when we’re 90 and toothless: ‘When Nigeria was being destroyed, Grandpa, what did you do?’” he said passionately.

Nigeria’s Worsening Hunger Crisis

Turning to the economic state of the country, Melaye painted a grim picture of Nigeria under the Tinubu administration. He claimed that hunger in the country had reached “chartered” levels, with citizens in many rural areas scouring garbage dumps for scraps of food. “We are in a precarious situation in this country, like we have never been. It has never been this disastrous, it has never been this terrible,” he lamented.

The former lawmaker accused the federal government of failing to address the daily realities of Nigerians who are facing worsening living conditions. He said that malnutrition was now rampant in rural communities, and hunger had become a public emergency that the current administration was either ignoring or poorly handling.

Melaye described a dire scenario where basic acts of food sharing could result in injuries or fatalities. “Take a trip to your village and just announce that you want to share bags of rice. If you are careful, there will be casualties,” he said, highlighting how desperate the situation had become.

A Call for Urgent Political Reorientation

Melaye concluded by calling for a national political reawakening, urging Nigerians to abandon traditional party loyalty and instead support a movement that prioritizes human welfare, national unity, and future sustainability. For him, the 2027 election is not just about politics, but about reclaiming Nigeria’s soul.

He insisted that the ADC is best positioned to lead this change, provided that it sustains internal unity and follows democratic processes. “We must rise beyond self. This is about Nigeria and the generations unborn,” he said.

While critics question the ability of such a broad coalition to hold together, Melaye believes that shared national interest will bind the opposition’s resolve. Whether this optimism will translate into real political gains remains to be seen — but for now, the ADC is preparing for what could be a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.