Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has written an open letter to King Charles III, calling for the cancellation or postponement of a proposed state visit by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom.
Melaye shared the letter on his X handle on February 22, 2026, expressing what he described as “urgency, seriousness and moral clarity” over the planned engagement between the British Crown and the Nigerian leader.
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In the letter, Melaye argued that Nigeria is currently facing deep political, economic and security challenges that, in his view, make a ceremonial state visit inappropriate. He cited ongoing concerns over terrorism, kidnappings, organised criminal violence, economic hardship and rising inflation, as well as what he described as declining public confidence in democratic institutions.
The former lawmaker further contended that President Tinubu’s administration remains the subject of public controversy. He referenced allegations of corruption, questions surrounding financial history and political funding, and disputes over academic and personal records. According to him, hosting the Nigerian president at the highest ceremonial level would be interpreted by many citizens as an endorsement of his leadership amid domestic discontent.
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Melaye also raised concerns about Nigeria’s political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections. He warned of growing distrust among sections of the population and claimed that a state visit could be perceived as foreign validation at a time when democratic processes are under scrutiny.
In addition, he argued that the optics of a formal reception in London would be insensitive to Nigerians grappling with economic hardship and insecurity. He cautioned that such a visit could provoke public anger and deepen divisions within the country.
Melaye concluded by urging the British monarch to ensure that the Crown is not used, in his words, for political legitimacy in Nigeria’s internal affairs. There has been no official response from Buckingham Palace or the Nigerian presidency regarding the letter.
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