The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has labeled Senator Dino Melaye as a liability to the party. Led by Ibrahim Dansofo, party elders called on the local executive committee in Ijumu to initiate immediate suspension proceedings against Melaye. This action, they said, is necessary to restore the party’s integrity and refocus on leadership that can drive the party forward.
On Saturday, Melaye criticized the acting national chairman of the PDP, Iliya Damagum, along with Samuel Anyanwu and Umar Bature, accusing them of ruining the party. Melaye claimed that the three chieftains had irreversibly damaged the PDP.
In response, the party elders condemned his remarks, asserting that Melaye’s political career has declined to the point where he can no longer even secure a local councillor position. The elders, led by Dansofo, described Melaye as a burden whose association with the PDP serves personal interests rather than contributing to the party’s progress.
“Senator Melaye has become a burden to the party,” Dansofo said, adding that Melaye’s accusations against the leadership are hypocritical, given that he was granted the party’s governorship ticket despite being unlikely to win even a primary election.
The Kogi PDP attributed the party’s current struggles to Melaye’s nomination, describing it as a major error that has led to their difficulties. The elders also urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to reconsider their support for Melaye, referring to him as a “bondage” and a “major liability” for the party.
The party called on the public to disregard Melaye’s statements, labeling them as desperate words from someone whose political influence has waned. They reaffirmed their commitment to rebuilding the party’s strength in Kogi State, adding that Melaye should account for the funds he collected in the name of the governorship election.
(DP)