Melaye accuses Tinubu, APC of ADC crisis ahead of 2027 polls

Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has accused President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating the legal crisis rocking the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC). Speaking on Channels Television's The Morning Brief on Thursday, Melaye claimed Tinubu wants to be "coronated" as president in 2027 rather than face a democratic election, describing it as a "Kabiyesi mentally" toward monarchical rule. He called the Wednesday developments an "affront on democracy" that every Nigerian should oppose.

This follows INEC's announcement that it will cease all correspondence with either faction of the ADC—led by former Senate President David Mark or Rafiu Bala (Gombe)—until the Federal High Court resolves the dispute. INEC also stated it will remove Mark's name from its portal and will not monitor any party activities. The crisis stems from Bala's court challenge to Mark's leadership after the July 2025 resignation of the Ralph Nwosu-led National Working Committee.

The ADC had been adopted by an opposition coalition as a platform to challenge the APC in 2027, with former Osun Governor Aregbesola as national secretary. Melaye further claimed to possess a certified copy of Gombe's resignation as deputy national chairman, arguing he lacked standing to sue. The ADC will hold a world press conference at 2 p.m. Thursday to outline decisions and strategies.

For voters, this signals potential fragmentation of the main opposition vehicle before the 2027 elections. If the court delays resolution, the ADC may be unable to field candidates or run effective campaigns. Observers should watch whether the opposition coalition will rally behind another party or splinter. The INEC decision effectively freezes ADC operations, leaving anti-APC forces scrambling for alternatives.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/04/02/adc-crisis-tinubu-wants-to-be-coronated-says-dino-melaye/