“PDP Is Neither Potent, Nor Capable, I Quit” – Dino Melaye

By Adesina Soyooye

Senator Dino Melaye has quit the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. The Senator, who once represented Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, did not do so quietly.

While quitting, Melaye stripped the once powerful Party of its dignity. He described the PDP, literally, as an empty shell, an empty drum. He said the Party lacks potency and capacity, and therefore, incapable of withstanding and/or challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, in the 2027 Presidential Election.

This will be the second time Melaye will quit the PDP. In the months which led to the 2015 General Elections, Melaye, a then member of the Party, was one of those who dumped it to put up camp with the then, newly formed fledgling  APC.

They swept PDP away and formed the Government at the centre. Later, however, in the run-up to the 2023 General Elections, Melaye decamped from the APC and rejoined the PDP.

He, thereafter contested for the Governorship seat of his State, Kogi, under the PDP umbrella, but was trounced by the APC Candidate, now Governor Usman Ododo.

Given his subtle, and, atimes, not too subtle criticism of the PDP in recent times, and considering that a number of his friends, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Chief Dele Momodu, have left the Party, many were not surprised that Melaye has finally quit the Party which umbrella is gradually, but steadily, being torn to pieces from all sides.

In his resignation letter dated 4, 2025, but which became public on July 31, Melaye held nothing back while disclosing  his loss of confidence in the PDP.

Addressed to the PDP Chairman, Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State, Melaye said he has withdrawn from all activities concerning the PDP. He wrote:

“I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels of involvement.

“This decision has become imperative due to the lack of potency and capacity by the Party to deliver the Nigerian people from the political cankerworms that have eaten deeply into the fabric of our dear nation”

After a deep reflection, he could no longer,  he noted, “in good conscience participate in the activities of the parties or lend my support to her agenda.

“In view of the above, please, consider this as my formal withdrawal from the party and all its activities at all levels with immediate effect.

“Thank you for the opportunity to serve under the platform during my period of membership.”

Even though the Senator did not disclose where he is headed to, there is no doubt that it is to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, in which house he has been wining and dining with his friends who already are members of the party.