A former senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, on Thursday alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not interested in a democratic contest ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Melaye made the claim while speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Briefs, where he also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of panicking over the growing wave of defections into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

According to him, the APC is unsettled by the rising profile of the ADC, which he described as the only opposition capable of challenging the ruling party.

“The APC has become so desperate, seeing that the ADC is the only opposition in Nigeria to challenge them in 2027.

“They have seen exodus of movement from various political parties into the ADC.

“Me personally, I’m shocked as to why they are panicking. They have 32 governors and have taken over, so why are you afraid?” he said.

He further alleged that President Tinubu is seeking to avoid an electoral contest.

“In a nutshell, it’s not about ADC, it’s about democracy. President Bola Tinubu wants to be coronated; he doesn’t want an election.

“He wants us to practise a monarchical system of government,” he added. (Tribune)