Dino Melaye attacks Obi over exit from ADC to NDC, says hot kitchens not for him

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has criticised Peter Obi over his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the former presidential candidate of avoiding political challenges.

Obi and former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, formally exited the ADC on Sunday following weeks of speculation surrounding internal disputes and legal complications within the party, which reportedly culminated in its deregistration by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Obi’s exit from the ADC has also triggered a wave of defections from the party, with several supporters and political figures aligning with the NDC, a development that has further strengthened the party’s position as Nigeria’s major opposition platform.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, Melaye questioned Obi’s ability to lead Nigeria if he could not withstand internal party crises.

“If he cannot face party tribulations and crisis, how does he intend to handle Nigeria?” Melaye said.

The former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Kogi State alleged that Obi prefers politically convenient environments, claiming that “hot kitchens are not for him.”

Melaye further alleged that Obi had consistently avoided competitive party primaries throughout his political career. According to him, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) handed Obi its governorship ticket, while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar gave him a vice-presidential slot under the PDP. He also claimed the Labour Party offered Obi its presidential ticket without a primary contest.

“He cannot be part of primary election, reason why he left PDP, reason why he left ADC for another free ticket in NDC,” Melaye alleged, adding that the NDC was “an agency of APC.”

Responding to criticisms over his defection, Obi said his decision to join the NDC was driven by the urgent need to build “a new Nigeria founded on justice, competence, accountability, and compassion for citizens.”

“The condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria informed my decision to leave ADC for NDC,” Obi said, stressing that the move was not motivated by anger, personal ambition, or political convenience.

“It came after deep reflection on the present condition of our nation and the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from the dangerous path it is currently heading,” he added.

Obi maintained that politics should be centred on the welfare of the people rather than personal interests, pointing to worsening economic hardship, collapsing businesses, and growing hopelessness among Nigerian youths.

He also stated that he left the ADC for reasons similar to those behind his earlier exit from the Labour Party, citing what he described as “severe, orchestrated litigation and internal crises deliberately designed” to frustrate his effective participation in the electoral process.