African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has accused President Bola Tinubu of making comments capable of encouraging political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Melaye made the allegation during an interview with DCL on Tuesday, November 10, while criticising what he described as the President’s remarks that “all is fair in politics” and “take it, grab it, and run away with it”.

He argued that such statements could be interpreted as endorsing electoral malpractice and undemocratic political practices.

“What you are saying is that rigging is fair politics. No, that is exactly what he said. When you say ‘all’, there is no exclusion. We are all English students: all, all, subordinate, adjectival clause, all,” Melaye said.

Melaye links political attacks to Tinubu’s remarks

The former lawmaker questioned the President’s democratic credentials, accusing him of contributing to hostility in the political space.

“Which democrat talks like that? So he’s the one who ignited violence in our politics,” he said.

Melaye also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of encouraging attacks against opposition figures.

He cited reported incidents involving APC chieftain Adams Oshiomhole in Ekiti, Labour Party’s Peter Obi in Benue and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar in Kebbi.

“That’s why Atiku’s car was shot at in Kebbi. That’s why six vehicles were shot at in Kebbi. That’s why we have people with gun wounds, because the President has made pronouncements that ignite violence,” he alleged.

Warns against threats to national unity

Melaye warned that Nigeria’s unity should not be taken for granted, citing the former Yugoslavia, Bosnia, Somalia and Sudan as examples of countries that had experienced disintegration and prolonged conflicts.

He also referred to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, cautioning against political developments that could threaten Nigeria’s stability.

“My pain is that with an estimated 250 million people, no country in the world can take our refugees. So Tinubu will have to be very, very careful,” he said.

He urged the President to demonstrate statesmanship, recalling advice from Professor Jerry Gana that Tinubu should prioritise national unity and democratic stability.

“I adhere to the advice of Professor Jerry Gana, that he should not just be a president; he should be a statesman,” he added.

Melaye challenges Tinubu over fitness claims

Asked whether his comments meant Tinubu should withdraw from the 2027 presidential race, Melaye said he was not asking the President to abandon his re-election ambition.

However, he argued that anyone seeking the office must meet the constitutional requirements for physical and mental fitness.

“I’m not saying he should not contest. But if you go by the constitution of the Republic of Nigeria, you must be physically fit to be president. You must be mentally fit to be president,” he said.

Melaye further alleged that Tinubu was deficient in both areas, describing him as “a spent force”.

When asked whether he had access to the President’s medical records to support his claims, the ADC chieftain challenged Tinubu to undergo a medical examination.

“I challenged President Tinubu to release himself for medical examination to prove me wrong,” he said.