2027: Dino Melaye Faults Tinubu Over Insecurity in Independence Day Address

Former federal lawmaker and African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Dino Melaye, has criticised President Bola Tinubu over what he described as inadequate attention to insecurity in the President’s Independence Day address.

Melaye made the comments in a post on his verified X account on Friday, October 2, 2026, while reacting to Tinubu’s nationwide broadcast marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The former senator claimed that Tinubu mentioned insecurity only once in the address, despite ongoing reports of kidnappings, killings and other security challenges in parts of the country.

Melaye alleged that more than 1,000 Nigerians were being held by terrorists in forests across the country. He also claimed that insecurity had prevented some farmers from accessing their farmlands.

“President Tinubu omitted the most critical issue of insecurity in his Independence Day broadcast, mentioning insecurity only once,” Melaye said.

He further argued that the security situation deserved greater attention in the President’s address, particularly because of its effect on the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians.

Tinubu’s October 1 address focused largely on the Federal Government’s economic reforms and its plans to move the country from what he described as an era of economic reforms into an era of prosperity. The President also spoke about insecurity and commended the armed forces and security services for their efforts to protect Nigerians.

Melaye’s comments come amid continued political debate over the government’s handling of insecurity and the impact of its economic policies as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election.

The ADC chieftain maintained that the security situation should remain a central issue in national discussions, particularly as Nigerians continue to contend with the consequences of insecurity on farming, movement and daily economic activities.