Senator Dino Melaye has been abruptly suspended by the Kogi chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over alleged anti-party activities.
The suspension of Mr Dino Melaye who was a former gubernatorial candidate of PDP in the state, was confirmed by a memo from the party’s Ayetoro Gbede Ward 1 executive committee, dated September 12, 2024.
The memo states, “On September 12, 2024, the Ward Party Executive Committee of the PDP in Ayetoro/lluagba Ward 1 convened to review the disciplinary committee’s report concerning Senator Dino Melaye’s alleged anti-party activities.”
Meanwhile, before the suspension, the party had invited Melaye to address the allegations before its Disciplinary Committee on August 20, 2024, as outlined in Article 57(4) of the PDP Constitution.
However, Melaye did not attend, which the party deemed as a disregard for its authority.
The executive committee’s resolution highlights that Melaye’s absence was viewed as a serious breach of party discipline and disrespect towards the party’s leadership.
The committee noted that his conduct was detrimental to the party’s reputation and thus, his continued membership was unsustainable.
Consequently, the Ward Party Exco imposed an immediate suspension on Melaye, citing Article 59(1) of the PDP Constitution, which grants the executive committee the authority to enforce disciplinary measures.
A letter from the disciplinary committee, dated September 9, 2024, outlined that despite multiple summons and reminders, Melaye’s failure to appear led the panel to recommend his suspension, pending approval from the ward executive.
Earlier communications from the party, including letters dated August 25 and August 26, 2024, detailed the allegations against Melaye, including misuse of party funds and statements considered detrimental to the party’s image.
The letters also stressed the importance of his appearance before the panel, providing several extensions and final reminders to ensure his participation.
The PDP has urged its members to uphold the principles of party discipline and unity, aiming to strengthen the party’s collective effort towards electoral success and effective service delivery.