A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Dino Melaye, has accused President Bola Tinubu of plunging Nigerians into severe hunger and economic hardship, declaring that he does not deserve another term in office.
Melaye made the declaration on Saturday during the ADC presidential campaign rally at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi, where he called on Nigerians to vote out the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
He alleged that neither the APC nor the Tinubu administration had credible plans to address the country’s prevailing economic challenges, particularly hunger and poverty.
Dino urged residents of Bauchi State, the North and Nigerians across the country to support the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, to replace Tinubu in 2027.
According to him, the APC has lost its political relevance, expressing confidence that an ADC-led administration under Atiku would tackle hunger, poverty and other challenges confronting the country.
Melaye maintained that Nigerians deserved a government capable of addressing their economic difficulties and improving their living conditions.
In his welcome address, the ADC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Senator Halliru Dauda Jika, described the party as strategically positioned to win the 2027 elections, citing its grassroots structures and extensive support network across the country.
Jika stressed that electoral victories were determined at the polling-unit level, urging party supporters to mobilise effectively, protect their votes and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
“Elections are won at the polling-unit level. Therefore, I urge you to come out, cast your votes, remain at your polling units, protect your votes and ensure that the results are properly declared at the polling-unit level,” he said.
He further cautioned supporters against allowing anyone to manipulate the electoral process, insisting that the will of the electorate must be respected.
“We must remain vigilant and ensure that nobody tampers with the will of the people as expressed through their votes,” he added.
Also speaking, the director-general of the ADC Presidential Campaign Council, Austin Akobundu, said the economic hardship and hunger Nigerians were experiencing under the Tinubu administration had made it necessary for citizens to critically assess the country’s direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akobundu said government policies and decisions had subjected Nigerians to difficult living conditions, urging voters to consider political change in the next general elections.
He also commended the Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, for granting the ADC access to the facilities required to conduct its presidential campaign rally in the state.
According to him, the governor’s gesture demonstrated respect for democratic principles and political tolerance, which the party appreciated.
Akobundu called on other state governors to emulate the Bauchi State governor by allowing opposition parties to exercise their constitutional rights and conduct political activities without unnecessary obstruction.