Deputy Director-General of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council, Dino Melaye, has said that an administration led by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar would not determine who emerges as Senate President or Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Melaye stated that the party would allow elected members of the National Assembly to choose their leaders independently, stressing that the ADC was committed to democratic principles and legislative autonomy.
He made the remarks during an appearance on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, where he discussed the party’s proposed approach to governance and accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the former Kogi West senator, the decision on who occupies the leadership positions in the two chambers of the National Assembly should rest with lawmakers rather than the President.
He maintained that Atiku, if elected President, would respect the independence of the legislature and would not impose preferred candidates on members of the National Assembly.
Melaye argued that allowing lawmakers to elect their principal officers would strengthen democratic institutions and create room for effective oversight of the executive arm of government.
He explained that an independent legislature would be better positioned to scrutinise government activities, question public officials and monitor the implementation of government policies.
The ADC chieftain also outlined how the party intended to strengthen accountability in the management of public funds.
He identified relevant National Assembly committees, including those responsible for establishment, finance, and budget and planning, as important platforms for examining government expenditure and demanding explanations from public officials.
Melaye said such committees could investigate government payments, monitor fund releases and establish how public resources were being utilised.
He specifically highlighted the importance of legislative oversight over spending by the Presidency and other government institutions, arguing that public officials should be answerable to the National Assembly.
According to him, lawmakers must have the freedom to perform their constitutional responsibilities without undue influence from the executive.
The former senator further suggested that allowing legislators to select their leadership would help prevent excessive political control over the National Assembly and improve the relationship between the executive and legislature.
His comments come as political parties and opposition figures intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with governance, accountability and institutional independence becoming prominent issues in political discussions.
Atiku, who previously served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 1999 to 2007, remains a prominent figure in opposition politics and is associated with the ADC-led political coalition.
The question of legislative independence has also featured in wider political debates concerning the relationship between the executive and the National Assembly under the current administration.
Melaye’s statement outlines the ADC campaign council’s position that the choice of legislative leaders should remain an internal decision of elected lawmakers rather than an appointment controlled by the President.
