Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have escalated as stakeholders, under the aegis of PDP Frontliners, condemned Dino Melaye, the party’s former governorship candidate in Kogi State, for his recent criticism of the party’s leadership. Melaye’s comments, accusing the party under Amb. Umar Damagum’s leadership of being “commercialised and privatised,” have sparked outrage among loyal members.
In a statement released in Abuja and signed by Alhaji Hussein Mohammed (President), Mr. Moses Abidemi (Secretary), and Mr. Dan Okafor (Publicity Secretary), the group denounced Melaye’s remarks as disrespectful and baseless. They argued that Melaye, who had benefited greatly from the party, including receiving significant resources for his gubernatorial campaign, had no grounds to attack the very leaders who facilitated his political ambitions.
The PDP Frontliners accused Melaye of attempting to sabotage the party for personal gain, stating, “Vultures of different hues within and outside the party are now circling, hoping to see the demise of a sick PDP and make quick gains. We, as loyal members, vow to resist such efforts and will fight alongside other progressives to ensure these plans fail.”
The group also highlighted Melaye’s failure during the Kogi State governorship election, where he secured only 46,000 votes, a dismal result they attributed to his lack of political mobilization and failure to dispense campaign funds appropriately. They criticized Melaye for turning against the party after benefiting from its support, pointing out that he had previously secured both House of Representatives and senatorial tickets through the PDP’s efforts.
Further fueling the controversy, Melaye took to X (formerly Twitter) to accuse the party’s leadership, including acting National Chairman Umar Damagum, National Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, of “irredeemably destroying the party.” The PDP Frontliners refuted these claims, suggesting that Melaye’s frustrations stemmed from the national leadership’s decision to halt a manipulated process in Kogi State that would have favored Melaye’s interests.
The group remains optimistic that the PDP will overcome its current crisis and re-emerge as a dominant political force, not only in Kogi State but across Nigeria, with appropriate measures being taken to address the challenges.
