Dino Melaye, a former Nigerian senator and current member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has publicly declared he will "never" support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, outlining 16 reasons in a detailed Instagram post. Melaye, who officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC in July 2025, cited economic hardships, insecurity, and governance failures as key factors behind his stance.
Economic Grievances and Fuel Price Surge
Melaye's first reason focuses on the tripling of fuel prices, claiming that within three years, the cost increased by 500%. He also accused the administration of failing to deliver on electricity promises, noting that only 1 megawatt was added against the 15 megawatts promised by Tinubu in October 2022, which he says is just 7% of the pledge.
He highlighted that Band A electricity customers paid 68 naira per kilowatt, but by 2024 they were paying 225 naira per kilowatt. Melaye also pointed to record food inflation, stating that as of June 2024, Nigeria experienced its highest food inflation in 20 years, growing by 40.8%. He further claimed that 34 million people entered acute food insecurity zones in 2026, a number exceeding the population of Ghana and many other countries.
Unfulfilled Promises and Insecurity
Melaye recalled Tinubu's promise at Eagle Square on May 29, 2023, to reduce youth unemployment by half, questioning how Nigerian youths have fared since then. He also noted the rising cost of travel, stating that a business class flight from Lagos to Abuja and back cost 180,000 naira in 2023 but now costs 720,000 naira.
On security, Melaye asserted that insecurity was previously limited mainly to the North East, Jos, and Benue, but now the entire country is in trouble. He also criticized Tinubu's comments on hunger, saying he cannot vote for a president who said hunger existed before he was born rather than confronting it.
Allegations of Corruption and Institutional Abuse
Melaye accused Tinubu of endorsing unfair political practices, including ballot snatching, violence, corruption, rigging, intimidation, and misuse of institutions, saying "all is fair in politics." He also claimed Tinubu took more loans than any other president in Nigeria's history with nothing to show for it.
He further alleged that Tinubu exported Nigeria's second-highest national honour to decorate a Lebanese business friend in Paris and awarded the highest infrastructure project ever in Africa to the same Lebanese individual at a cost of 13 trillion naira. Melaye called Tinubu an "ethnic bigot" and accused him of directing the EFCC to vacate an order issued to banks on Osun bank accounts, proving he is stronger than institutions.
Personal Attacks and Fitness Concerns
Melaye questioned Tinubu's background, describing his only known relation as Oyetola, who carries dual citizenship, is an alleged drug baron, and whose identity is shrouded in secrecy, with no classmates. He also called Tinubu a "vegetable president" who keeps disgracing Nigeria at international outings, claiming he is not physically and medically fit.
Melaye concluded by stating these reasons as the basis for his refusal to support Tinubu, reinforcing his political opposition as he continues his tenure with the ADC.
