The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State has suspended its former governorship candidate, Senator Dino Melaye, citing alleged anti-party activities. The suspension was announced by the executive committee of the party in Ayetoro Gbede, Ward 1, in a memo dated September 12, 2024.
According to the memo, the decision followed a review by the Ward Executive Committee, which investigated allegations of misconduct and anti-party behavior against Melaye. The memo stated, “The Ward Party Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1, met on Friday, September 12, 2024, to review the report of the disciplinary committee set up to investigate the alleged anti-party activities of Senator Dino Melaye.”
The party disclosed that Melaye had been summoned to appear before the Disciplinary Committee on August 20, 2024, to respond to the allegations, in line with the provisions of Article 57(4) of the PDP Constitution. However, Melaye reportedly failed to appear or provide any representation, which the party described as a “gross disrespect” to its authority.
Following deliberations, the Ward Executive Committee concluded that Melaye’s failure to comply with the summons, alongside other allegations, violated the PDP’s Constitution and party discipline principles. The party expressed that his actions had caused embarrassment and brought disrepute to the party, leading to the resolution to suspend him, effective immediately.
“This suspension is in line with Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which empowers the Ward Party Exco to take disciplinary actions against erring members,” the party said.
The party encouraged its members to remain loyal and committed to party discipline, stating, “We must work together to build a strong and united party capable of winning elections and serving the interests of our people.”
A report from the disciplinary committee, dated September 9, 2024, recommended Melaye’s suspension after he failed to honor multiple summons. The committee, chaired by Owonibi Babarinde, along with other members, expressed their disappointment over Melaye’s refusal to appear before them despite several reminders and extensions granted for his appearance.
In earlier correspondence with Melaye, the party had raised concerns over his alleged mismanagement of party funds during the November 2023 governorship election and other reckless statements attributed to him, which the party said were detrimental to its image.
Despite several attempts to engage Melaye and allow him to defend himself, including an extended deadline to August 31, 2024, the senator did not respond to the summons. Consequently, the disciplinary panel recommended his suspension, which was then ratified by the Ward Executive Committee.
The suspension marks a significant development in the PDP’s internal politics, particularly ahead of upcoming elections in Kogi State.
