By Musa Baba Adamu
Senator Dino Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State, has vowed to intensify efforts to prevent President Bola Tinubu from securing a second term in the 2027 presidential election.
Melaye’s latest criticism followed Tinubu’s decision to serve as chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for his own re-election campaign.
Speaking in a video shared on his official X account on Sunday, the ADC chieftain questioned the decision to combine the positions of presidential candidate and campaign council chairman.
He described the arrangement as unprecedented and “disgraceful,” claiming it suggested that the ruling party was anxious about its electoral prospects.
“This is the first time in the history of the universe and the entire world that a presidential candidate of a political party will double as the chairman of the presidential campaign council for his own election,” Melaye said.
He also criticised the size of the campaign council, describing it as “very, very, very bogus” and alleging that some responsibilities and positions had been duplicated.
Melaye further raised concerns over the reported appointment of Zacch Adedeji, chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), formerly the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), to a fundraising role within the campaign council.
He argued that the alleged involvement of the head of the country’s revenue agency in a presidential campaign could raise questions about conflict of interest, given the agency’s public responsibilities.
“As a lawyer, by the grace of God, on Monday I’m going to court. We have to test that,” he declared.
The former senator said public officials must operate within the provisions of the Public Service Rules and vowed to challenge the matter legally if the reported appointment was confirmed.
Melaye maintained that opposition to Tinubu’s re-election would continue despite the ruling party’s campaign preparations.
“The battle to stop Tinubu is a battle of no retreat, no surrender,” he said, describing the development as “a big shame” and “a disgrace.”
His comments come as political parties and opposition groups intensify their mobilisation and legal strategies ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.
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