African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain and former senator, Dino Melaye, has issued a blunt and controversial warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and members of his family, telling them to begin packing their belongings from the Presidential Villa ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Melaye declared that the ADC would defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), insisting that Nigerians were tired of the Tinubu administration and prepared to vote for a change of government in 2027.
He made the statement during an interview with Arise TV on Monday while expressing confidence in the ADC’s chances in the 2027 presidential election.
The former senator accused the Tinubu administration of failing to adequately address hunger, insecurity, killings and the worsening economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
According to him, the hardship experienced by citizens would become a major factor in the 2027 election, with Nigerians allegedly determined to use their votes to reject what he described as maladministration.
“The winning strategy for the ADC is very simple. The people are with us. The people are tired of maladministration,” Melaye said.
He also attacked the administration over its borrowing policies and alleged failure to effectively implement approved budgets.
Melaye claimed that some government contracts awarded in 2024 had not been paid for despite the Federal Government borrowing funds to finance its budgets. He further alleged that the 2024 budget was still being implemented in 2026.
He accused the government of creating a disconnect between the leadership and citizens, citing hunger, insecurity, killings and alleged corruption as evidence of growing public dissatisfaction.
The ADC chieftain also criticised comments he attributed to President Tinubu regarding election rigging, violence and ballot snatching, arguing that such remarks were inappropriate for a sitting president.
He maintained that political leaders should set responsible examples for younger Nigerians, particularly at a time when the country is approaching another highly competitive election.
Melaye predicted that the 2027 election would end the APC’s control of the Presidency, insisting that the ADC and its allies would emerge victorious.
Taking his prediction further, he directly told President Tinubu and his family to prepare to leave the Presidential Villa.
“And I’m telling you that the results will tell in January. The president and his family members should begin to pack their luggage and things from the villa, including those in the boys’ quarters of the villa, because there will be a change of government,” Melaye declared.
The statement is likely to further intensify the political battle between the ruling APC and opposition groups as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Melaye defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ADC in July 2025. He previously served as spokesperson for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, and has since emerged as one of the ADC’s most outspoken figures.
The ADC has been positioning itself as a major opposition platform capable of challenging the APC and attracting voters dissatisfied with the current administration.
With the 2027 presidential contest already generating intense political realignments, Melaye’s call for Tinubu and his family to “start packing” has added another provocative dimension to the emerging battle for control of Aso Rock.