ADC chieftain Dino Melaye criticises President Tinubu over acquisition of Airbus jet and yacht

ADC senior figure Dino Melaye has publicly denounced President Bola Tinubu, describing him as a prodigal child without lineage. In a video shared on the social platform X, Melaye accused Tinubu of procuring an Airbus aircraft for presidential use and a yacht that, according to him, has never entered Nigerian waters. He contrasted Tinubu’s actions with those of former President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that Buhari had purchased a jet for the presidency three years prior, whereas Tinubu allegedly refused to use that aircraft and instead obtained a new Airbus.

Melaye’s remarks also touched on personal insults, claiming Tinubu lacks family ties and suggesting a public competition he organised to identify Tinubu’s classmates yielded no respondents. The ADC chieftain framed these criticisms as evidence of broader corruption and decay within the nation, asserting that Nigeria has never experienced such deterioration.

Background

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is an opposition party in Nigeria, and Dino Melaye holds a senior position within its hierarchy. His criticism emerged amid ongoing debates over government expenditure on luxury assets. The acquisition of an Airbus for presidential travel and a yacht has been a point of contention, with opposition figures questioning the necessity and cost of such purchases. Melaye referenced a prior acquisition by former President Muhammadu Buhari, who reportedly bought a jet for presidential use three years before Tinubu’s term began. According to Melaye, Tinubu declined to use Buhari’s jet and instead secured a new Airbus, a move he portrays as wasteful.

Why it matters

The allegations raise concerns about the use of public funds for high‑profile assets, potentially affecting public perception of governmental transparency and fiscal responsibility. If the president indeed procured an Airbus and a yacht, the expenditures could be scrutinised by anti‑corruption agencies and civil society groups, influencing debates on budget allocations and governance standards. The criticism also reflects political tensions between the ruling party and opposition parties such as the ADC, highlighting how asset purchases can become flashpoints in broader power struggles.

What happens next

Melaye’s video adds to a growing chorus of opposition voices demanding accountability for high‑cost acquisitions. While the source does not specify any formal investigations or legal actions, the public airing of these concerns may prompt parliamentary inquiries or calls for audits of presidential spending. The issue is likely to remain a topic of political debate as stakeholders await any official response from the presidency or relevant oversight bodies.