The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ijumu Local Government Area has denounced the letter expelling Senator Dino Melaye as a fabricated document, claiming it cannot hold any legal standing.
Speaking on the matter, Hon. Olorunmaiye Olabode, the chairman of the PDP Ijumu chapter, described the letter as “ridiculously and hurriedly written,” pointing out inconsistencies in the day and date on the document.
In a statement released on Friday and made available in Lokoja, the party emphasized its commitment to upholding the constitution, guidelines, and regulations of the PDP. The communique read:
“We stand firmly with the Party, its Constitution, and its Guidelines & Regulations. No materials were brought to Ijumu LGA for the Ward Ad hoc Congress scheduled for July 27, 2024. Furthermore, no LGA Congress was held in Ijumu to elect a National Delegate, and we did not partake in the illegal State Congress held in Lokoja on August 31, 2024.”
The PDP Ijumu chapter blamed external forces for orchestrating the so-called expulsion letter, labeling them as enemies seeking to destabilize the party. According to the statement, these forces aim to remove Senator Dino Melaye, whom they hailed as a “voice of the voiceless” and a key leader in Kogi State.
“The letter of expulsion is a forgery. It was hastily crafted, and the date and day do not even align. The attempt to expel a prominent party member like Senator Melaye in such a manner is an affront to party rules and the accomplishments of a leader who has done so much for the PDP, both at the state and national levels,” Olabode said.
The communique further defended Melaye, highlighting his recent contributions to the party, including paying for accommodation at the PDP state headquarters, covering staff salaries, purchasing 10,000 membership cards for distribution, and donating ₦2 million for the party’s running costs.
“We challenge those behind this forgery to identify any so-called anti-party activities committed by Senator Dino Melaye. The claim of expulsion is nothing more than a breach of the PDP Constitution, driven by malicious intent. We urge all party members to disregard this baseless letter and stand with our loyal leader, who remains committed to the party and its values.”