PDP Ijumu Chapter Denounces Dino Melaye’s Suspension as a Fabrication

The Ijumu chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the letter of suspension issued against Senator Dino Melaye, labelling it as a forgery that holds no legal standing.

The local chapter’s leadership expressed firm support for Melaye, condemning the actions of external forces attempting to destabilise the party.

In a communiqué released on Friday, the Chairman of the PDP in Ijumu Local Government Area, Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, categorically stated that the suspension of Senator Dino Melaye is not only invalid but a deliberate attempt to undermine the senator’s position within the party.

The communiqué, made available to news outlets in Lokoja, further described the suspension letter as hastily prepared, with inconsistencies in the date and content, thereby making it illegitimate.

Hon. Olorunmaiye did not mince words when he addressed the issue, noting that the discrepancies in the letter are evident.

He highlighted that the day and date in the document did not align, casting further doubt on its authenticity.

According to him, the entire process of suspending a key figure like Senator Dino Melaye is dubious, especially when it was executed without following the proper protocols as outlined in the PDP Constitution and internal guidelines.

The communiqué read: “We stand firmly with the party, the Constitution thereof, and the guidelines & regulations that are issued from time to time.

We stand by the fact that no materials were brought to Ijumu LGA to carry out the Ward Ad hoc Congress on the 27th of July, 2024.”

The chairman added that no local government congress was held in Ijumu for the election of a national delegate.

He asserted that the chapter did not participate in the state congress that took place on 31st August 2024, which he described as an “illegal and failed kangaroo arrangement” held in Lokoja.

Olorunmaiye alleged that the purported letter of suspension was not the work of Ijumu PDP members but of external enemies who seek to destabilise the party in Kogi State.

According to him, these external forces are bent on removing Senator Dino Melaye, who has been a staunch supporter of the PDP and a champion of the people’s cause.

He referred to Melaye as the “voice of the voiceless” and claimed that his detractors are trying to weaken the party’s structure to assert control over loyal members.

“We are aware of a communiqué in circulation which was concocted by external enemies of the party from outside Ijumu, who are forces of destabilisation and who want to remove our leader, Senator Dino Melaye, so they can ride roughshod over loyal party members in Kogi State,” the communiqué further stated.

In defending Senator Dino Melaye, Olorunmaiye emphasised the senator’s contributions to the party at both the state and national levels.

He challenged Melaye’s critics to provide evidence of any anti-party activities committed by the senator. Instead, he pointed to numerous instances where Melaye has supported the PDP.

For example, Melaye personally financed the accommodation for the state headquarters of the party, paid the salaries of its staff, and provided 10,000 membership cards for distribution to both existing and new members. Additionally, just last month, Melaye reportedly donated 2 million naira to the party to assist with its operational costs.

The Ijumu PDP Chairman criticised the suspension letter for failing to follow due process.

He highlighted that any action against a key figure like Melaye must adhere strictly to the PDP Constitution, a process that was blatantly ignored in this instance.

He urged party members at the local and state levels to disregard the “malicious and mischievous plan” aimed at expelling Melaye, a loyal and committed leader of the party.

In his closing remarks, Olorunmaiye called on all PDP members in Ijumu and the entire Kogi State to remain united and ignore the fabricated suspension.

He reiterated that Senator Dino Melaye has always been a staunch supporter of the party and has never engaged in any activities that could be considered as working against its interests.

The chapter’s leadership assured its members that this effort to expel Melaye is the work of “agents of destruction” who are envious of his accomplishments and dedication to the PDP.

The controversy began when the Ward Party Executive Committee of the PDP in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1, where Senator Dino Melaye hails from, issued a letter announcing his suspension.

The letter, which was made public on Friday, alleged that Melaye had been involved in anti-party activities, an accusation the Ijumu chapter strongly refuted.

The suspension letter was reportedly signed by the Ward Chairman, Mr Abayomi Osamika, and the Ward Secretary, Mr Yodson Dayo, and was disseminated to the media in Lokoja.

However, the Ijumu chapter of the PDP remains adamant that this letter is nothing more than a smear campaign orchestrated by individuals outside the local government area who wish to diminish Melaye’s influence in the state.

In conclusion, the Ijumu chapter of the PDP has made it clear that the suspension of Senator Dino Melaye will not stand, and they remain committed to supporting him in his continued efforts to serve the people and uphold the values of the party.