Dino Melaye, former senator representing Kogi West, has accused President Bola Tinubu of undermining democratic principles.
Melaye, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), spoke on Thursday during an appearance on The Morning Brief, a programme on Channels Television.
He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is attempting to weaken opposition parties, particularly the ADC, ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had on Tuesday announced the discontinuation of the recognition of the David Mark-led leadership of the ADC following ongoing court cases.
“The APC has become so desperate. They have seen that ADC is the only opposition that can challenge them,” he said.
Melaye questioned why the ruling party appears threatened despite controlling a majority of states.
“You said you have 32 governors and control everywhere. Why are you afraid?” he asked.
He accused Tinubu of preferring a system where power is handed over without a credible electoral process.
“President Bola Tinubu wants to be coronated. He doesn’t want election,” he said.
The ADC chieftain also criticised remarks attributed to the president during the 2023 election cycle.
“In democracy, there is no ‘it is my turn’. That is not democratic language,” he said.
He alleged that recent political developments point to attempts to establish a one-party system.
“They want a one-party state. They don’t want an election. They just want to be coronated,” he said.
Melaye said opposition figures would continue to resist any attempt to undermine democratic governance.
“We will fight this with every legal means to ensure democracy remains the government of the people,” he said.
