Melaye accuses Tinubu of inciting political violence with 'grab and run' remarks
ADC chieftain Dino Melaye accuses President Tinubu of igniting political violence through remarks made during a Tuesday interview with DCL. Melaye quotes Tinubu saying 'all is fair in politics' and 'take it, grab it, and run away with it'—which Melaye argues endorses electoral rigging. 'When you say all, there is no exclusion,' Melaye said, questioning Tinubu's democratic credentials.
Melaye links the rhetoric to recent attacks: Adams Oshiomhole in Ekiti, Peter Obi in Benue, and Atiku Abubakar's convoy shot at in Kebbi (six vehicles hit, gunshot injuries reported). He warns Nigeria's 250 million people cannot be absorbed as refugees by any country, citing Yugoslavia, Sudan, and Ukraine as cautionary tales.
Melaye urges Tinubu to embrace statesmanship per Professor Jerry Gana's advice. On 2027, he clarifies he's not challenging Tinubu's right to run but insists constitutional fitness requirements must be met—claiming Tinubu is 'deficient' physically and mentally. Melaye challenges Tinubu to undergo public medical examination to disprove the allegation.
With 2027 campaigns heating up, will Tinubu's rhetoric set the tone for another violent election cycle, or will institutions enforce consequences for incitement?