The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has taken decisive action against one of its prominent members, Dino Melaye, the party’s recent gubernatorial candidate.
He faces suspension from his local ward over claims of anti-party activities.
Leadership at Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 in Ijumu Local Government Area announced the suspension following an executive meeting.
Ward Chairman Abayomi Osamika and Secretary Yodson Dayo released a statement detailing the decision.
The statement read, “Senator Dino Melaye’s conduct has brought embarrassment and disrepute to our party, his continued membership is no longer tenable.”
The suspension stems from Melaye’s alleged failure to appear before a disciplinary committee on August 20.
The committee sought to address accusations of misconduct and actions deemed harmful to the party’s interests.
Ward officials cited Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution as grounds for the suspension. This provision empowers local leadership to take disciplinary measures against members violating party rules.
The statement further elaborated on the ward’s concerns: “Senator Melaye’s failure to appear before the Disciplinary Committee constitutes gross disrespect to the party and its leadership.”
This development follows Melaye’s public criticism of the PDP’s national leadership in late August. He accused top officials, including Acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, of “destroying the party.”
Melaye claimed on social media that the PDP had been “commercialized and privatized,” stating it was now “once upon a time.” PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba refuted these allegations.
“The party is not commercialized,” Ologunagba asserted. “I don’t know what he means by that. The party is standing.”
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As the situation unfolds, the ward leadership has called for unity among party members.
“We must work together to build a strong and united party, capable of winning elections and serving the interests of our people,” the statement added.
