ADC Newsroom | July 31, 2025

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has today welcomed one of Nigeria’s most vocal political figures, Senator Dino Melaye, into its fold, marking a significant realignment in the country’s political landscape ahead of 2027.

In a formal ceremony held in Kogi State, the ADC leadership presented Melaye with his official membership card, solidifying his departure from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he had long been a prominent voice. The presentation was conducted by the party’s state leader, Kingsley Temitope, accompanied by the state secretary, local government, and ward executives, all of whom hailed the development as a bold step towards strengthening the ADC’s political presence both within Kogi and nationally.

Clad in an attire boldly emblazoned with ADC insignia, Temitope addressed the gathering by affirming the senator’s new status within the party. “I present to Distinguished Senator Dino Melaye the membership card of the African Democratic Congress. He is now a full member of our party and has already started contributing to our movement even before this card presentation,” Temitope stated.

Senator Melaye, known for his unapologetic stance on issues of governance and justice, took to his social media to confirm the transition, simply writing: “SDM fully ADC.” The concise declaration signaled a definitive new chapter for the former federal lawmaker and one-time Kogi gubernatorial candidate.

Melaye’s defection comes just hours after his official resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, a move he attributed to what he described as the PDP’s inability to address Nigeria’s deepening governance failures. In his resignation letter, he expressed disillusionment with the party’s direction and lamented its failure to rescue the country from what he called “prevailing political cankerworms.”

While the senator did not immediately announce his future political ambitions, his entry into the ADC is widely seen as a strategic alliance that could reshape conversations ahead of the 2027 elections. Political observers have long speculated about Melaye’s next move, especially given his visible absence from the PDP’s recent activities and his increasing criticisms of establishment politics.

The ADC, on its part, has positioned itself as the credible alternative to both ruling and mainstream opposition parties, focusing on issues such as youth empowerment, justice, transparency, and national inclusion. Party members present at the ceremony described Melaye’s entry as a morale boost that underscores the ADC’s appeal among bold reformers and independent-minded leaders across the country.

As Nigeria inches closer to another critical election cycle, the move may catalyze further defections and alignments across party lines. For ADC loyalists, however, today’s event was a signal that the winds of change are blowing stronger.