Prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dino Melaye, has explained the rationale behind the choice of national anthem performed during a protest led by opposition figures, while also commenting on the state of governance in the country.
Melaye made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in response to a question regarding the use of the former national anthem at the event.
Asked, “Before I let you go, is it a point of defiance? You sang the old national anthem at your event today. That is Arise, O Compatriots. Instead of Nigeria, we held it.”
In response, Melaye said the decision was deliberate and reflected his views on the current administration. “I led the protestants to sing the national anthem because we know there’s nothing this government has done that makes sense.
Today, in this country, everything they have done is in the negative,” he said.
He further cited issues he described as inconsistencies in the country’s currency system, referencing the existence of multiple versions of certain denominations.
“We have two 1,000 Naira notes. You don’t even know which one you will spend when you go out. You have two 500 Naira notes. Everything in this country is upside down,” Melaye added.
The ADC chieftain also made remarks about the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing his expectations regarding the political future.
“Amilokan government, but this time around, let him say bye-bye to the presidential villa because on May 29th, by the grace of the almighty God, he’s going to move out of the presidential villas, including those staying in the boys’ quarters of the villa with him,” he stated.
The punch
