Dino Melaye is a Burden, Huge Liability to the Party, and Must Be Suspended – Kogi PDP Stakeholders

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is reportedly moving to suspend Senator Dino Melaye, branding him a “liability” to the party.

This move is being led by key party elders in the state, with Ibrahim Dansofo at the forefront. They have urged the local executive committee in Ijumu, Melaye’s home constituency, to initiate suspension proceedings without delay. According to the elders, this action is crucial to restoring the integrity of the PDP in Kogi and ensuring that the party’s leadership is grounded in viable and trustworthy leadership.

The push for suspension follows a controversial statement made by Melaye on Saturday, in which he accused the acting national chairman of the PDP, Iliya Damagum, along with Samuel Anyanwu and Umar Bature, of irreparably damaging the party. Melaye’s remarks were met with swift condemnation from the party’s elders, who argued that his political influence has waned to the point where he can no longer secure even a local councillor position.

The elders, led by Dansofo, characterized Melaye as a burden to the party, arguing that his continued association with the PDP serves only to advance his personal interests rather than contribute positively to the party. They pointed out that despite his attacks on the current leadership, Melaye was previously granted the PDP’s governorship ticket—a decision they now view as a grave mistake given his perceived inability to secure electoral victories.

The Kogi PDP has blamed Melaye for many of the party’s current challenges in the state, arguing that his nomination for governorship has led to their ongoing struggles. They have also called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to reconsider their support for Melaye, urging them to distance themselves from what they described as a “big-time liability” to the party.

In their statement, the PDP elders called on the Nigerian public to dismiss Melaye’s recent remarks as the desperate words of a politician whose influence has significantly diminished. They also expressed the party’s determination to move forward, rebuild its strength, and restore its reputation as a formidable political force in Kogi State. The stakeholders concluded by demanding that Melaye account for the billions he allegedly received during the governorship election.