A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dino Melaye, has told President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his family to begin packing their belongings from the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, predicting a change of government after the 2027 general election.

Melaye made the statement on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he criticised the Tinubu administration over what he described as widespread hunger, insecurity, corruption and poor governance.

The former lawmaker argued that the government had become increasingly disconnected from Nigerians, claiming that its policies had fuelled public dissatisfaction.

“The president and his family members should begin to pack their luggage from the Aso Rock Villa, including those in the Boys’ Quarters,” Melaye said.

“The results will tell in January because there will be a change of government in 2027.”

He said the ADC’s electoral strategy was straightforward, arguing that Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the current administration.

“The winning strategy for the ADC is very simple. The people are with us. The people are tired of maladministration, lies, borrowing, three budgets and three successions not being implemented.”

Melaye also questioned the government’s budget implementation, particularly its handling of projects reportedly awarded in 2024.

“For example, you say you borrowed money to run the budget. You have borrowed the money. You have collected the money, but the budget is not being implemented.

“The budget is not being funded. Contracts awarded in 2024 have not been paid for. You are still implementing the 2024 budget in 2026.”

He maintained that Nigerians were aware of the country’s challenges and would use the ballot to express their dissatisfaction.

“The people in this country have blood flowing through their veins and not kerosene, so they respond to stimuli.”

The ADC chieftain accused the Tinubu administration of being insensitive to Nigerians, contrasting it with previous governments that he claimed were more conscious of public reaction to their policies.

“From former President Muhammadu Buhari downwards, the government is always afraid of the people when they want to take decisions. But under the Tinubu administration, people are afraid of the government because they are so brazen, wicked, nonchalant and don’t give a damn.”

Melaye also criticised Tinubu over his reported remark that “all is fair in politics,” arguing that such comments could encourage electoral malpractice and violence.

“You have a president who has come out on air to tell the whole world that all is fair in politics. Rigging is fair in politics. Violence is fair in politics. Ballot snatching is fair in politics.”

He said Nigerians were closely watching the actions and statements of political leaders and would ultimately determine the country’s political direction through their votes.

“You are a president. You are supposed to be a mentor. The words of presidents are supposed to be quotations on a daily basis.”

Melaye added: “You think the people are not watching? And I am telling you that the results will tell in January 2027.”