In a striking public admission that is making waves across Nigeria’s political landscape, former senator and Kogi State PDP governorship candidate, Dino Melaye, has openly expressed deep regret over his past support for the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as “the worst political decision” of his life.
Speaking at a public forum in Abuja on Friday, Melaye didn’t hold back his emotions as he reflected on his role in promoting the APC during its rise to national power. “I was blind. I didn’t see the deception. I didn’t see the betrayal that would follow. I regret ever backing the APC. Nigeria deserves better, and I now realize I was part of the problem,” he stated candidly.
Melaye, who was a prominent voice in the 2015 APC movement that ousted the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has since returned to the PDP and become one of its most vocal defenders. However, his latest comments signal not just a personal reckoning but also a broader critique of the APC's governance since coming to power.
“Everything we hoped APC would stand for — justice, reform, accountability — has been thrown away. Instead, what we got was hardship, corruption, and unprecedented suffering for the Nigerian people,” Melaye lamented.
The outspoken politician said he felt a deep sense of responsibility to speak out, especially now that the effects of economic hardship, insecurity, and broken promises are affecting millions of Nigerians. He called on Nigerians to learn from past mistakes and to “not be carried away by propaganda and empty slogans in future elections.”
Melaye's statement is being interpreted by political analysts as a clear move to reposition himself as a voice of reason and reflection within the opposition bloc, possibly ahead of a stronger national political comeback.
Reactions have poured in from across party lines. While PDP members have welcomed Melaye’s bold confession, some APC supporters dismissed it as mere political theatre. However, among the general public, especially on social media, many praised Melaye’s honesty, noting that few Nigerian politicians have admitted fault so openly.