The Ijumu chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly refuted the claims of Senator Dino Melaye’s expulsion from the party, labeling the expulsion letter as a “ridiculously and hurriedly written” forgery with inconsistencies in date and day.
Earlier today, reports emerged that Melaye, the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the recent Kogi election, was suspended for anti-party activities. However, in a statement released on Friday, the Ijumu local government council, led by Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, reaffirmed their adherence to the PDP’s constitution, guidelines, and regulations. The statement clarified that no materials were provided for the Ward Ad hoc Congress on July 27, 2024, and no LGA Congress was held to elect National Delegates. It also rejected the legitimacy of the State Congress held in Lokoja on August 31, 2024, describing it as a “sham arrangement.”
The party condemned the circulating expulsion letter as a fabrication by external forces aiming to destabilize the party and discredit Senator Melaye, who is viewed as a key leader in Kogi State. The statement described Melaye as “the voice of the voiceless” and accused these forces of attempting to exploit loyal party members.
The communique asserted, “We categorically and unequivocally state that the purported expulsion letter is a forgery and lacks credibility. Such an important matter involving a prominent member like Senator Dino Melaye should not be handled in such a criminal manner. No PDP member in Kogi has contributed as significantly to the party as Melaye has on a national level.”
It further challenged the accusers to specify Melaye’s alleged anti-party activities, highlighting his recent contributions including paying for party accommodations, purchasing 10,000 membership cards, and donating 2 million naira for party running costs.
The party urged all members to disregard the expulsion claims, emphasizing that any attempt to remove their dedicated leader without following proper procedures is a breach of party constitution and due process.
