In a bold and assertive move, former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, called on Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to rein in his appointees and put an end to what he described as targeted attacks on the offices and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the state. Melaye, a prominent political figure known for his outspoken nature, issued a stern warning via a post on the social media platform X, emphasizing that any further aggression against the ADC would be met with "superior responses." The statement, which has sparked widespread reactions, signals a potential escalation of political tensions in Kogi State, a region already known for its volatile political climate.
Melaye’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is undergoing significant shifts, with opposition parties like the ADC seeking to assert their relevance ahead of future electoral contests. The former senator’s warning not only underscores the growing friction between the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State but also highlights the broader challenges of political intolerance and violence that have plagued Nigeria’s democratic process for decades. This article delves into the context of Melaye’s statement, the dynamics of Kogi State politics, the role of the ADC, and the implications of his warning for the state’s political future.
The Context of Melaye’s Warning
Dino Melaye’s statement was concise but loaded with intent. Posted on X, a platform where political discourse in Nigeria thrives, Melaye’s words were carefully chosen to convey both a warning and a sense of resolve. The full text of his post reads:
“I call on Gov Ododo to call his appointees to order. Henceforth, any attack on ADC offices and members in the state will be matched with superior responses. THE DAYS OF GOD DEY ARE OVER. LAST WARNING. SENATOR DINO MELAYE ESQ.”
The phrase “The days of God dey are over” is particularly striking, as it appears to be a colloquial expression signaling the end of an era of perceived impunity or unchecked aggression. Melaye’s use of the term “superior responses” suggests that the ADC is prepared to take decisive action—potentially beyond legal or diplomatic means—if further provocations occur. While the exact nature of these “superior responses” was not specified, the tone of the statement indicates a readiness to escalate the situation if necessary.
Melaye’s warning is directed at Governor Ododo, who assumed office in January 2024 following a contentious gubernatorial election in November 2023. Ododo, a member of the APC, succeeded Yahaya Bello, under whose administration Melaye had frequently clashed with state authorities. The former senator’s reference to “appointees” suggests that he believes individuals appointed by Ododo are orchestrating or enabling attacks on ADC offices and members. While Melaye did not provide specific details about the alleged attacks, his statement implies a pattern of aggression that has prompted this public outburst.
Political Dynamics in Kogi State
To fully understand the significance of Melaye’s warning, it is essential to examine the political dynamics in Kogi State. Located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, Kogi is a politically diverse state with a history of fierce electoral contests and occasional violence. The state is home to multiple ethnic groups, including the Igala, Ebira, and Okun, each of which plays a significant role in shaping its political landscape. The interplay of ethnicity, party loyalty, and personal rivalries has often fueled tensions in the state, making it a hotspot for political drama.
The APC has dominated Kogi’s political scene since 2015, when Yahaya Bello became governor. However, Bello’s tenure was marked by controversies, including allegations of electoral malpractice, suppression of opposition voices, and clashes with political adversaries like Melaye. As a former senator representing Kogi West, Melaye has been a vocal critic of the APC’s governance in the state, often positioning himself as a champion of the masses. His tenure in the Senate was characterized by high-profile confrontations, both within and outside the legislative chambers, earning him a reputation as a polarizing yet influential figure.
The 2023 gubernatorial election, which brought Ododo to power, was particularly contentious. The election saw the APC retain its grip on the state, but opposition parties, including the ADC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), raised concerns about irregularities and voter intimidation. Melaye himself contested the election as the PDP candidate but lost to Ododo. Following his defeat, Melaye has remained active in Kogi’s political space, reportedly aligning with the ADC to rebuild his political influence and challenge the APC’s dominance.
The ADC, though a relatively smaller party compared to the APC and PDP, has been gaining traction in Kogi and other parts of Nigeria by appealing to younger voters and those disillusioned with the country’s two major parties. Melaye’s association with the ADC signals his intent to leverage the party’s platform to mobilize support and challenge the status quo in Kogi. However, this ambition appears to have put the ADC at odds with elements within the state’s ruling party, leading to the tensions highlighted in Melaye’s statement.
The Alleged Attacks on ADC Offices
While Melaye’s post did not provide specific details about the alleged attacks on ADC offices and members, the context suggests a series of incidents that have raised concerns within the party. Political violence, including the destruction of campaign materials, harassment of party members, and attacks on party offices, is not uncommon in Nigeria, particularly in states with intense political rivalries like Kogi. Such actions are often attributed to political thugs or hired agents acting on behalf of influential figures, though direct evidence linking specific individuals to these acts is often scarce.
The lack of specificity in Melaye’s statement could be a strategic choice, allowing him to draw attention to the issue without escalating the situation prematurely. By addressing Governor Ododo directly, Melaye places the responsibility on the state’s chief executive to ensure the safety of all political actors, regardless of party affiliation. This move also positions Melaye as a defender of the ADC’s interests, potentially rallying the party’s supporters and sympathizers.
The reference to “appointees” is particularly significant, as it implies that individuals within Ododo’s administration may be complicit in or aware of the attacks. In Nigeria’s political context, appointees such as commissioners, special advisers, or local government officials often wield significant influence and may control networks of loyalists capable of carrying out politically motivated actions. Melaye’s warning suggests that he believes these appointees are either directly involved or failing to curb the activities of their supporters.
Melaye’s Celebration of ADC’s Youth Mobilization
In the same X post, Melaye took the opportunity to highlight the ADC’s growing appeal among Nigeria’s youth. He wrote:
“It was a pleasure yesterday, I received all youth members of the National Executive members of ADC. No party in history have paraded this number of young persons as National Excos of a political party in Nigeria. Welcome to the most youthful friendly party in Nigeria.”
This segment of the post serves a dual purpose: it shifts the narrative from the warning to a positive message about the ADC’s inclusivity and underscores Melaye’s role as a mentor to younger political actors. The emphasis on youth mobilization is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where over 60% of the population is under the age of 30. Political parties have increasingly recognized the importance of engaging young people, who are often vocal about their dissatisfaction with the country’s governance and economic challenges.
The ADC’s focus on youth involvement could be a strategic move to differentiate itself from the APC and PDP, which are often criticized for being dominated by older, entrenched political elites. By positioning itself as “the most youthful friendly party in Nigeria,” the ADC aims to attract a demographic that is increasingly influential in shaping public opinion, particularly on platforms like X. Melaye’s involvement in this effort suggests that he sees the youth as a critical constituency in his bid to challenge the APC’s dominance in Kogi and beyond.
Implications of Melaye’s Warning
Melaye’s warning carries significant implications for Kogi’s political landscape and Nigeria’s broader democratic process. At the state level, the statement could escalate tensions between the ADC and the APC, particularly if further incidents occur. The phrase “superior responses” is ambiguous but provocative, raising questions about whether Melaye is signaling a willingness to engage in retaliatory actions, legal challenges, or public protests. In a state with a history of political violence, such rhetoric could inflame existing rivalries and lead to unrest if not carefully managed.
Governor Ododo, as the recipient of Melaye’s warning, faces a delicate situation. As a relatively new governor, Ododo is still consolidating his authority and navigating the complex political terrain left by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello. Responding to Melaye’s allegations requires a balancing act: he must address concerns about political violence to maintain public confidence while avoiding actions that could be seen as capitulating to opposition pressure. A failure to address the alleged attacks could embolden critics of his administration and further erode trust in the state’s democratic institutions.
On a national level, Melaye’s statement highlights the persistent challenge of political intolerance in Nigeria. Despite efforts to strengthen democratic norms, incidents of violence and intimidation remain a stain on the country’s electoral process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies have often been criticized for their inability to prevent or address such incidents effectively. Melaye’s warning underscores the need for stronger mechanisms to protect political actors and ensure a level playing field for all parties.
The Role of Social Media in Amplifying Political Discourse
Melaye’s decision to issue his warning on X reflects the growing role of social media in Nigerian politics. Platforms like X have become critical spaces for political actors to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. For Melaye, a seasoned user of social media, X provides an opportunity to shape the narrative, mobilize supporters, and put pressure on his opponents. The platform’s real-time nature also ensures that his message reaches a wide audience quickly, amplifying its impact.
However, the use of social media for political messaging is not without risks. Inflammatory rhetoric, such as Melaye’s reference to “superior responses,” can escalate tensions and polarize public opinion. In a country where misinformation and divisive narratives can spread rapidly online, political actors must exercise caution to avoid inciting unrest. Melaye’s post, while assertive, stops short of explicitly calling for violence, but its tone could be interpreted as confrontational by some audiences.
The Broader Context of Political Violence in Nigeria
Melaye’s warning must be viewed within the broader context of political violence in Nigeria. The country has a long history of electoral and political conflicts, with incidents ranging from verbal attacks to physical assaults and even assassinations. In states like Kogi, Rivers, and Edo, political rivalries have often spilled over into violence, with party loyalists, thugs, and security personnel playing roles in the unrest. The lack of accountability for perpetrators has perpetuated a culture of impunity, emboldening those who seek to suppress opposition voices.
Efforts to address political violence have included calls for electoral reforms, stronger security measures, and public awareness campaigns. However, these efforts have yielded mixed results, as deep-rooted issues such as poverty, unemployment, and weak institutions continue to fuel instability. Melaye’s warning serves as a reminder that without meaningful action to address these underlying factors, political tensions will persist.
The Path Forward for Kogi State
As Kogi State navigates this latest political flashpoint, several steps could help de-escalate tensions and promote a more inclusive political environment. First, Governor Ododo should publicly address Melaye’s allegations and commit to investigating any incidents of violence or intimidation against the ADC or other opposition parties. A transparent investigation, coupled with accountability for those found culpable, would demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles.
Second, security agencies in Kogi must take proactive measures to protect political actors and prevent further incidents. This includes deploying personnel to monitor political activities and ensuring that law enforcement remains neutral in political disputes. The involvement of civil society organizations and election observers could also help monitor the situation and promote dialogue between rival parties.
For the ADC, Melaye’s warning represents an opportunity to galvanize its base and position itself as a formidable opposition force. However, the party must balance its assertive rhetoric with a commitment to non-violence and constructive engagement. By focusing on issues such as youth empowerment, economic development, and good governance, the ADC can build a broader coalition of supporters and challenge the APC’s dominance through democratic means.
Conclusion
Dino Melaye’s warning to Governor Ahmed Ododo marks a critical moment in Kogi State’s political landscape. By calling out alleged attacks on the ADC and signaling a readiness to respond forcefully, Melaye has thrown down the gauntlet, challenging the state government to address issues of political intolerance. At the same time, his celebration of the ADC’s youth mobilization highlights the party’s ambition to reshape Nigeria’s political future by engaging younger generations.
As Kogi navigates this tense period, the actions of all stakeholders—government, opposition, security agencies, and civil society—will determine whether the state can move toward a more inclusive and peaceful political environment. For now, Melaye’s words serve as both a warning and a call to action, reminding Nigerians of the fragility of democracy and the need to protect it from those who would undermine it through violence or intimidation.
