While I was checking round the internet to get the updates on latest happenings around the country, then a news alert dropped with a captivating caption; *”Melaye Gets Endorsement From Lokoja PDP Local Govt Chairmen/Leaders.
As that point, I readjusted and positioned well to digest the latest and trending news in the media space. Though, the story was short and concise but straight to the point and well captured by several online news medium with pictorial images capturing the courageous party chairmen and leaders in a meeting with Senator Melaye at his palatial Imolede mansion in Maitama Abuja. That cleared my mind from all the speculation I have been hearing.
From the inception of the struggle for the soul of PDP Kogi West ticket, political observers have continued to dissect and analyse on who will be the best bet for the opposition PDP to recapture Kogi West Senatorial District vis-a-vis their capacity and popularity.
As the primary date approaches, so much series of political alignment and realignment, connections and disconnection are expected.
No doubt, that the courageous decision to endorse Senator Melaye by the 10 ward Chairmen of PDP Lokoja Local Govt led by Mallam Ndadabo who is also the chairman of ward B in Lokoja, set a golden pace for the incoming victory of Kogi West PDP in the election.
According to them, the decision to queue behind Senator Dino Melaye was thoroughly scrutinised by stakeholders in the party especially since there are handfuls of whose influence in the party cannot be shoved aside. But we discovered that Senator Melaye, with his pedigree and antecedent, can completely re-engineer the internal structures and workings of the party using the tools of persuasion and negotiation to attract more development to the zone.
Dino Melaye’s choice by the leadership of Lokoja local govt is beyond sentiment, it is a progressive decision after a wide range consultation that must fast- spread down to other local govt either through similar practical endorsement or at voting point on the D-Day.
The choice of this courageous Dino by Lokoja LGA leadership is a step toward the emancipation, liberation and repossession of Kogi West by the PDP.
Out of all the aspirant parading the length and breath of Kogi West for this ticket, Dino Melaye’s name stood tall among. His outstanding performance and impressive legislative record speaks for him. Dino himself is a strategist.
He will speak out when others are hibernating out of fear.
Dino Melaye, a former chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation as a first timer.
Also, his election to the Senate in 2015, he secured a Grade-A Committee on FCT. He is so popular and well rooted among the downtrodden. He’s loved by many, hated by few! He has navigated every nooks and cranny of Kogi West to win Senatorial election in 2015 and 2019 respectively.
With PDP on the ballot and Dino Melaye as candidate, even the ruling APC will wither away politically in that election.
Lokoja Local Govt PDP ward chairmen and leaders should be highly commended and appreciated for showing genuine capacity and determination to win the next election for PDP. Leaders of Lokoja/Koto don’t dilly dally on important issues like this. Ofcourse, all other aspirants are well qualified to run, but as it is, anyone who understands the nitty-gritty of Kogi West politics beyond just party ambition and the dynamics ahead must without primordial sentiments, or petty envy laced with unnecessary rivalry align with Dino Melaye as the party’s candidate. I must say again, with Dino on the ballot, INEC and other institution to that election both local and international observers will take dressing.
SDM has fondly called by Kogi Westerners, is an asset to any political party or organization.
The potential Dino Melaye needs no introduction within and outside Kogi State or in the media, political and security circle. This is an honest reality we must all digest without coughing….
The aspiration of Hon Aro Samuel Bamidele, Hon Niyi Olayemi and Hon Tajudeen Yusuf is a welcome one, but such aspiration in an open truth, none of them at this point can guarantee victory for Kogi West PDP in the coming election. Let me tell you that, even with human shortcomings that all of us possess, Dino Melaye inclusive, his parliamentary records, competence, achievement, capacity and capabilities no doubt, surpasses the records of the duo of Aro and Tajudeen as former and incumbent representatives.
With the level of political consciousness of the leaders, delegates and executives of Kogi/Lokoja Federal Constituency, i doubt if they will be willing to support an aspirant who is currently on his third term in the house of representatives without any portfolio of principal office or Committee Chairman or Vice. That itself, defines his political weight and capacity.
Finally, the good people and executives/ leadership of Lokoja LGA PDP, have taken the right step in the right direction, there position and political decision is expected to flow to other constituencies.
Kogi/ Lokoja Federal Constituency is for long known for uprightness, decency, integrity and honesty. When they say YES in the morning, afternoon and at night, it will remain YES. Undoubtedly, Lokoja leaders have set a pace for Kogi West PDP victory!
*Abdulmalik Hassan, writes from Kupa, Lokoja LGA.*