🗞️ Dino Melaye Resigns from PDP, Cites Party’s Decline
Former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has formally resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accusing the party of lacking the leadership and capacity to rescue Nigeria from its current political challenges.
🚪 Resignation Letter and Reasons
- On July 31, 2025, Melaye issued a resignation letter dated July 4, addressed to the PDP chairman of Ward 1, Aiyetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State. In the letter, he declared immediate withdrawal from all levels of PDP membership and activities
- Melaye stated that his decision followed a period of reflection and dissatisfaction with the party’s inability to tackle Nigeria’s “political and leadership cankerworms.” He said, “I can no longer in good conscience participate in the activities of the party…”
🔄 Joining ADC
Shortly after quitting the PDP, Melaye joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a principal platform in the emerging opposition coalition. In a video shared on his verified account, he was seen being presented with an ADC membership card and officially accepting the induction
⚠️ Suspension Preceded Departure
Melaye’s resignation comes on the heels of a disciplinary suspension by the PDP in September 2024. The party’s Ward executive in Ayetoro/Iluagba Ward 1 accused him of anti-party activities and misconduct, including ignoring summonses and allegedly bringing disrepute upon the party
🧠Political Implications
- Dino Melaye was PDP’s 2023 governorship candidate in Kogi State and a former member of both the Senate and House of Representatives.
- His departure marks another significant defection from the PDP in recent months and reflects broader internal fractures within the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections
- The ADC coalition continues to consolidate high-profile figures like Melaye and former Senate President David Mark as it positions itself as a credible alternative to both the PDP and APC
🧾 Summary Table
| Key Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Resignation | August 2025, resignation letter cited party’s poor leadership and governance |
| Suspension | PDP ward suspended Melaye in Sept 2024 over alleged anti-party behavior |
| New Political Alignment | Joined African Democratic Congress (ADC) after leaving PDP |
| Political Significance | Reflects ongoing defection trend and fallout within PDP |
