ADC Crisis: Melaye Accuses Tinubu of Undermining Democracy

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of orchestrating the ongoing leadership crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, Melaye said recent actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including delisting David Mark as ADC chairman, are politically motivated and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wants to be coronated; he doesn’t want an election. He wants a monarchical system where he is simply crowned,” Melaye said. “What happened yesterday was motivated by the ruling party. It is not just about ADC; it is an affront on democracy, and every Nigerian should be concerned.”

Melaye also dismissed claims about Nafiu Gombe, stating that he had resigned as ADC deputy national chairman before filing any legal case, with certified documents to prove it.

The senator revealed that the ADC leadership will hold a world press conference at 2 p.m. today to explain its decisions and strategies amid the crisis.

The dispute follows INEC’s decision to stop recognizing correspondence from either ADC faction pending the outcome of a court case. The commission has also removed Mark’s name from its portal.

The crisis stems from a leadership tussle after former ADC chairman Ralph Nwosu resigned, leading to an interim committee led by Mark. Rival factions, including one led by Rafiu Bala (Gombe), insist he should have assumed leadership, fueling the ongoing legal battle.