A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Dino Melaye, has expressed confidence that opposition parties will unite to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Melaye, a former lawmaker, made the remarks during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, saying ongoing discussions among opposition parties would eventually produce a broad coalition capable of challenging the ruling party.
According to him, opposition politicians are already holding consultations, with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke among those involved in discussions about possible cooperation.
“I want to let you know that the opposition parties are talking and working,” Melaye said.
He acknowledged that it may not be possible to bring every opposition politician into one alliance but maintained that a majority of the opposition would eventually work together.
“The majority of the opposition will come together and send Tinubu and the APC packing,” he said.
Melaye also dismissed the APC’s nationwide political structure, including its governors, lawmakers and party officials, arguing that the machinery would not guarantee victory in 2027.
He claimed that many Nigerians were dissatisfied with the Tinubu administration because of economic hardship and insecurity, and said the situation could translate into votes against the ruling party.
“All that will amount to nothing because the Nigerian people have already concluded who they will vote for,” Melaye said.
He further alleged that some governors were reluctant to openly campaign for Tinubu, questioning whether governors in the northern part of the country would campaign for the president amid the current political climate.
Melaye also claimed that Tinubu was aware of the challenges facing his administration ahead of the 2027 election.
“The president is getting intelligence reports and knows he is on his way out,” he said, describing the administration’s political activities as attempts to discourage politicians from working with the opposition.
Speaking on the ADC’s preparations for the 2027 election, Melaye said the party was relying on Nigerians rather than government officials and political structures.
He claimed the party had mobilised supporters across the country and would benefit from what he described as widespread disenchantment with the Federal Government.
“While Tinubu is depending on his ministers and government functionaries, we are depending on the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Melaye said.
He argued that the 2027 election would ultimately be determined by voters and not the size of a party’s political machinery.
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Melaye also referenced the recent Osun State governorship election, arguing that the presence of senior APC figures and governors during the campaign did not guarantee victory for the ruling party.
“There is no advantage, and there’s nothing strategic about it,” he said.
According to him, the outcome in Osun could be replicated at the national level during the 2027 general elections.
The opposition’s proposed coalition, however, is still taking shape, with discussions over the participating parties, leadership structure and possible presidential candidate expected to continue ahead of the election.
For the APC, the challenge will be to maintain its political coalition and defend the Tinubu administration’s record as the 2027 election approaches.
