Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu, warning that any attempt to hold on to power for too long or weaken opposition voices in Nigeria will fail.
Melaye made the remarks in a video shared on his Facebook page, where he expressed concern about what he described as a growing effort to create a one-party system in the country. His comments come at a time when political debates are increasing over the direction of Nigeria’s democracy and the role of opposition parties.
In his statement, Melaye alleged that President Tinubu has ambitions similar to those of Paul Biya, who has been in power in Cameroon for over four decades. Biya is one of Africa’s longest-serving leaders, and his tenure has often been cited in discussions about long-term rule and limited political competition.
Melaye said such a model would not work in Nigeria, stressing that the country’s political structure and history are different.
“Tinubu’s ambition to be the Paul Biya of Nigeria will not work,” he said.
Although the presidency has not officially responded to these claims, Melaye’s remarks reflect growing concerns among some opposition figures about the concentration of political power.
The former senator also warned Nigerians against what he called the danger of a one-party state. According to him, democracy can only thrive when there is strong opposition and healthy competition among political parties.
He criticised what he described as a “Kabiyesi mentality,” a term often used in Yoruba culture to refer to unquestioned authority, usually associated with traditional rulers. In a democratic setting, Melaye argued, such an approach has no place.
“We will resist a one-party state. Kabiyesi mentality will not work,” he said, calling on Nigerians to remain alert and defend democratic values.
Nigeria has operated a multi-party system since the return to civilian rule in 1999, following years of military government. Over the years, power has shifted between major political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). This competition has been seen as an important part of the country’s democratic process.
Melaye also expressed worry about the current state of the country, describing the situation as difficult and unusual. He said Nigerians are facing challenges that require urgent attention from the government.
“We are in perilous times in the country. We have never seen this kind of situation like this in this country,” he said.
He further accused the president of not showing enough concern about the situation, a claim that is likely to generate debate among political observers and supporters of the administration.
Nigeria is currently dealing with several challenges, including rising cost of living, inflation, and economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration. While the government has defended its policies as necessary steps to fix long-standing problems, critics argue that the impact on ordinary citizens has been severe.
Dino Melaye is known for his outspoken style and strong criticism of government policies. During his time in the Senate, he was a prominent member of the opposition and often engaged in heated debates on national issues.
His latest comments are in line with his history of challenging those in power, especially on matters related to governance and democracy.
On the other hand, President Bola Tinubu, who took office in 2023, has a long history in Nigerian politics. He previously served as governor of Lagos State and is widely regarded as a key figure in the formation of the APC, the party that brought him to power.
Tinubu’s administration has introduced major economic policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and changes in foreign exchange management. While these policies have been praised by some economists, they have also led to increased hardship for many Nigerians, especially in the short term.
Melaye’s comments highlight ongoing debates about the strength of Nigeria’s democracy. In recent years, there have been concerns about the shrinking space for opposition, internal party conflicts, and the need for stronger institutions.
For many Nigerians, the key issue remains how to balance strong leadership with respect for democratic principles. The idea of a one-party state is widely seen as a threat to democracy, as it limits choices and reduces accountability.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its political and economic challenges, voices like Dino Melaye’s are likely to remain part of the national conversation. His warning against prolonged rule and one-party dominance reflects concerns shared by some citizens and political actors.
At the same time, the Tinubu administration continues to push forward with its policies, insisting that they are necessary for long-term stability and growth.
The coming years will be important in shaping how Nigeria’s democracy evolves. Whether the fears expressed by Melaye will materialise or not remains to be seen.