By Dino Melaye quits PDP
Cites party’s weakness and lost relevance
Summary
- Former Senator and Kogi governorship candidate Dino Melaye resigns from the Peoples Democratic Party, citing its “lack of potency”
- Melaye criticises party leadership, describing the PDP as a “once upon a time” party plagued by internal decay and commercialisation
- His resignation follows suspension over alleged anti-party activities and mounting tensions with the Kogi State PDP chapter
- PDP insists it remains a formidable opposition force despite Melaye’s departure and criticisms
Abuja, Nigeria – Former Nigerian senator and 2023 Kogi State governorship candidate, Dino Melaye, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing the party’s inability to provide effective political solutions for Nigeria.
In a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward 1 Chairman in Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Melaye said the decision came after a period of deep reflection on the party’s performance and direction. He accused the PDP of failing to rescue the nation from what he called “prevailing political cankerworms,” stating that he could no longer support its agenda or remain involved in its activities in good conscience.
According to Melaye, the party had lost its relevance, weakened by internal dysfunction and a leadership he described as having commercialised and privatised its structures.
Melaye’s exit follows his suspension from the party in September 2024 over alleged anti-party activities. Prior to that, he had publicly criticised key figures within the PDP, including acting National Chairman Iliya Damagum, National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature. He accused them of turning the party into a personal enterprise and labelled it a shadow of its former self.
Tensions had been brewing within the Kogi PDP as well. In August 2024, the state chapter branded Melaye a “political liability” due to his consistent electoral losses, including his failure to win his polling unit during the 2023 governorship election.
Melaye’s political career has long been marked by controversy and party-switching. He previously defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the PDP in 2018. His latest move has reignited speculation about future alliances, with rumours suggesting he may join forces with opposition figures such as Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi. However, no official confirmation has been made.
Despite Melaye’s criticism, the PDP maintains that it remains a significant opposition platform. The party currently holds 13 governorship seats and retains a substantial presence in the National Assembly. It has dismissed Melaye’s remarks as unrepresentative of its current position.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Melaye’s departure adds another twist to Nigeria’s shifting political landscape and raises questions about the evolving strategies of both opposition and ruling parties.
