Why I Contested Kogi Governorship Election Despite Advices Not To - Dino Melaye | READ MORE

According to Melaye, though he was adviced that the powers that be in the state and national level, will not allow him have a fair contest, he was undeterred because of his conviction that it was time to contend for political power parity in Kogi state.

"Going into this election, not a few counselled that I shouldn't venture because those at the levers of power in the state and at National levels may not want to see my face, but I was undeterred, because I'm convinced that now is the time to contend for political power parity in our state, because, there is never a wrong time for a good cause" Melaye said in a statement he issued on Thursday.

Melaye described the outcome of the governorship election in the state as another hollow ritual of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that the "iniquities" of the electoral body may not b forgiven.

The statement read;

NO WRONG TIME FOR A GOOD CAUSE:

The day of election has been observed in Kogi State on November 11, 2023. Characteristic of INEC, it was another hollow ritual; much in sync with the ballot box fair in February this year, when the outcome of the Presidential election became the butt of jesting around the world.

The pall and gloom notwithstanding, let me convey my deep appreciation to our great Party, the People's Democratic Party, the Acting National Chairman, Amb. Umar Ililya Damagum, our Presidential Candidate in the 2023 Presidential election, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, all our leaders and members at the National, State, Local Government and wards, all the distinguished voters who supported my election, no matter the odds, members of the National Campaign Council and State Campaign Council, and members of various committees, for their zeal and passion in prosecuting election in one of the most politically hostile states in Nigeria.

The import of November 11, 2023 cannot be lost, and it will remain for a long time.

1. The independent National Electoral Commission has not and may never depart from its iniquities, and so its sins may never be forgiven.
2. Kogi State has been badly fractured and its fault lines have become expanded under the Administration of Yahaya Bello. The resort to ethnic agenda is a manifestation of this malaise.

3. The people of Kogi West may be taken for a ride for a long time if the preponderance of actors continue to focus more on the crumbs from the master's table.

Going into this election, not a few counselled that I shouldn't venture because those at the levers of power in the state and at National levels may not want to see my face, but I was undeterred, because I'm convinced that now is the time to contend for political power parity in our state, because, there is never a wrong time for a good cause.

As a Democratic Evangelist I warn again that the Democratic space is contracting with each election. The supposed umpire leaves the electorate helpless many times because they sabotage those they are to protect, and protect those they are to ward off. The Commission has now become the proverbial thief that steals what is kept in his custody. Worse still, the Judiciary that should be the arbiter in democratic disputes is now being inveighed right, left and centre, even by its own members.

Even if no credible election was held, the day has been observed. The day helped to clear some misgivings about my political viability, particularly in ranking processes in Kogl West. I have chosen the campaign period to ask for forgiveness from those who were offended by my political activities or personal conduct and lifestyle. I guess some people even took the opportunity presented by that day to settle scores. I meant no harm. I have also forgiven all indiscretions. As I said during the campaign I smile at adversity. I sing at problems and I dance at hostility. I focus on happiness always.

On behalf of my running mate, Hon Habiba Deen Mohammed, I thank all those who have deployed intellect, time, treasures and assets in executing our campaign. PDP remains a big brand in Kogi State and Nigeria. Our heads remain unbowed.

I urge our supporters to be calm and law abiding always. We shall overcome! God bless Kogi State.

Senator Dino Melaye
PDP GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE
KOGI STATE.