Former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership, under acting National Chairman Umar Damagun, of being compromised by the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Melaye made the claim following the PDP’s defeat in the just-concluded Edo State governorship election, where the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo, lost to the APC’s Monday Okpebholo by a margin of over 44,000 votes.
Taking to social media platform X, Melaye expressed grave concern about the party’s future, stating, “With Damagun at the helm, the PDP is on the verge of destruction.
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The Edo election was just the beginning—there are more APC elements within the National Working Committee (NWC) than PDP loyalists.”
Political analyst Dr. Bisi Olaniyan weighed in on the situation, noting, “Melaye’s comments reflect the deepening divisions within the PDP. If these accusations are true, they could have far-reaching consequences for the party’s ability to rebuild and compete effectively in future elections.”
Melaye also invoked the legacy of the PDP’s founding fathers, including Alex Ekwueme and Tony Anenih, lamenting that they would be “turning in their graves” over the current state of the party.
Governance expert Dr. Amina Bello added, “The internal strife in the PDP, particularly at the leadership level, is a significant obstacle to party cohesion and success. Without immediate reforms, the party risks losing more ground to the APC.”
As the PDP grapples with internal challenges, analysts suggest that failure to address these issues could lead to further electoral setbacks.