“Dino Melaye Declares Nigerians Tired of Hunger, Insecurity, Backs ADC as Viable Political Force”

As Nigeria continues to grapple with rising insecurity and economic hardship, a former lawmaker, Dino Melaye, has voiced what many consider a growing national sentiment—frustration and fatigue with the status quo. Melaye, who represented Kogi West Senatorial District between 2015 and 2019, expressed these concerns following the suspension of a political rally organized by the Kogi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Melaye, a known critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), declared that Nigerians are no longer interested in excuses from government leaders. According to him, the population is hungry, disillusioned, and desperately seeking a viable political alternative. That alternative, he insists, is the ADC.

The event, initially slated to be a formal political rally in Lokoja, was suspended in honour of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. Despite the halt, the gathering at Kafas Multi-purpose Hall served as a symbolic moment for opposition voices and political realignments in Kogi State.

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Hunger, Hopelessness, and the Rise of ADC

Speaking to journalists after the cancelled rally, Melaye did not mince words. “Nigerians are tired of managing an incompetent government. They are tired of excuses from the government over insecurity. It is time to kill hunger and insecurity before they kill us,” he lamented.

He argued that the APC-led government had failed to deliver on promises of economic prosperity and national security. For Melaye, the overwhelming turnout for a rally that didn’t even hold speaks volumes about the desire for change.

He emphasized, “The turnout you see today is just the introduction. After this mourning period for our late President Buhari, we will return to unveil ADC in Kogi State formally. Even the handwriting on the wall is clear to the blind: the days of the APC in political governance in Nigeria are over. The party to liberate Nigerians is here—ADC is the answer. Just keep watching.”

The ADC’s North Central zone, led by Senator Tunde Ogbeha, had earlier announced the rally’s suspension to honour the former president. Yet, the political energy surrounding the event remained undeterred, suggesting a growing wave of support for the ADC in Nigeria’s middle belt and beyond.

Former PDP Governor Joins ADC Movement

Adding more weight to the movement, former Kogi State Governor and 2015 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Idris Wada, also made headlines at the event. He used the occasion to publicly announce his defection to the ADC.

“It’s my pleasure to use this unveiling ceremony to announce my membership of ADC in Kogi State,” Wada declared. “I’m fully prepared to mobilise all citizens of Kogi State to join this coalition.”

His defection is expected to galvanize even more political momentum for the ADC, especially among former PDP loyalists and undecided voters. Wada’s move may signify a deeper internal crisis within the PDP in Kogi and reflect broader dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s two dominant parties—APC and PDP.

The Political Landscape Ahead

As Nigeria inches closer to the next election cycle, signs are emerging that voters are reconsidering traditional party loyalties. The narrative of incompetence, hunger, and insecurity continues to gain traction, giving rise to smaller parties like ADC that are promising a break from the past.

While the rally was suspended, the symbolic weight of the moment—and the prominent figures endorsing ADC—suggest a storm is brewing in Kogi’s political waters. Both Melaye and Wada’s statements point to a strategic positioning of the ADC as the next big political force, not just in the state but possibly on the national stage.

Whether ADC can truly mount a serious challenge against entrenched political structures remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: Nigerians are yearning for change, and voices like Melaye’s are amplifying that call with renewed urgency.