Senator Dino Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has warned that the recent spate of governors defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not strengthen the party or enhance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 election.
In a Facebook post, Melaye argued that the so‑called “governor factor” has lost its power to determine electoral outcomes, pointing to the 2023 presidential election as proof that Nigerians are voting beyond the influence of state governors and party machines.
He noted that despite the APC controlling 22 states, it faltered in key regions in 2023, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) performed strongly in states governed by the APC.
“The ruling APC, despite controlling 22 state governments, struggled to maintain coherence and voter confidence,” Melaye said.
He stressed that Nigerians have become more politically aware and independent‑minded, and that 2023 was only a “warning shot”, the real reckoning is coming in 2027.
“The governors can all decamp to the ruling party and hold hands on the way down; the electorate will ensure it is a spectacular collective defeat,” he warned.
Melaye also described both the APC and PDP as parties “sitting on powder‑kegs” due to internal contradictions, corruption and loss of public trust, while portraying the ADC as a fresh, people‑driven alternative.
“The age of imposed loyalty is giving way to one of independent conviction,” he declared, adding that 2027 will be an “election of the governed, not of governors”.
