PDP Suspends Senator Dino Melaye Over Alleged Anti-Party Activities

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ward Executive Committee in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, has announced the suspension of Senator Dino Melaye following allegations of anti-party activities.

The suspension, effective immediately, was confirmed in a statement jointly signed by the Ward Chairman, Mr. Abayomi Osamika, and the Ward Secretary, Mr. Yodson Dayo, on Friday in Lokoja. According to the statement, the decision was taken during a meeting of the Ward Exco on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

The PDP had earlier invited Melaye to appear before a disciplinary committee on August 20, 2024, to address accusations of misconduct, but the senator reportedly failed to respond. His absence was described as a gross disregard for party authority and discipline.

The statement detailed the following resolutions:

1. Failure to Appear: Melaye’s failure to appear before the disciplinary committee constituted disrespect to the party’s leadership and disregard for the PDP Constitution.
2. Violation of Party Discipline: His actions were seen as a clear violation of the PDP’s principles of party loyalty and discipline, which are outlined in the PDP Constitution.
3. Embarrassment to the Party: The Ward Exco emphasized that Melaye’s conduct had brought disrepute and embarrassment to the PDP, making his continued membership untenable.

Consequently, the PDP Ward Exco invoked Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which allows the ward-level party executive to take disciplinary actions, including suspension, against members found guilty of misconduct.

The statement urged all party members to remain committed to the principles of party discipline and unity, stressing that party loyalty is crucial for the PDP’s success in future elections.

Despite efforts by reporters to obtain Melaye’s response to the suspension, he did not reply to calls or messages sent to his phone.