Dino Ran for Kogi Governorship Election but Refused to Vote for Himself - PDP Chairman Says

The acting National Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum has criticized former Kogi State senator Dino Melaye for his conduct during the 2023 Kogi governorship election.

According to Damagum, Melaye, who was the PDP candidate, did not even cast a vote for himself in the election. This disclosure comes amidst ongoing internal conflicts within the PDP, which have been exacerbated by Melaye's recent public criticisms of the party's leadership.

Melaye, who has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the current state of the PDP, took to social media on August 24, 2024, to accuse the party's leadership under Damagum of commercializing and privatizing the party. He declared that the PDP has lost its relevance in Nigeria's political landscape, referring to it as "once upon a time."

Melaye specifically called out the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, and the National Organising Secretary, Umar Bature, for their roles in what he described as the destruction of the party.

Responding to these allegations, Damagum pointed out Melaye's own shortcomings, highlighting his failure to participate in his own election. "Let me remind you about that statement credited to Dino. He’s part of the problem. Why? Because he ran for governor in Kogi State and didn’t even vote for himself. Put that on record: he didn’t go out to vote in his own election," Damagum stated in an interview with Daily Trust.

He further emphasized that if a party is generous enough to provide a platform for a candidate, it is the candidate's duty to improve the party's fortunes, whether they win or lose.

The PDP has been grappling with internal strife since the conclusion of its presidential convention over two years ago, which saw Atiku Abubakar emerge as the candidate for the 2023 election.

The fallout from this event led to a faction of five governors, known as the G-5, revolting against the party and supporting the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Tinubu, in the name of fairness and justice to the southern part of the country. Despite Atiku's loss to Tinubu, the internal discord within the PDP remains unresolved.

In an effort to address these issues, the PDP recently inaugurated a Reconciliation Committee chaired by former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and a Disciplinary Committee led by High Chief Tom Ikimi. These committees are tasked with reconciling aggrieved members and enforcing unity and discipline within the party.

Melaye's suspension from the PDP for engaging in anti-party activities further complicates the situation. His suspension was executed by his Ward Party Executive Committee in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 in Ijumu Local Government of Kogi State last Thursday.