Leadership Tussle Erupts In Kogi PDP Over Congress

• The Elders council vehemently opposed any attempts to hand over leadership to Melaye.
• The party claimed to be aware of Lah’s intentions, accusing him of attempting to create a faction within the party that could lead to a legal dispute.

The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to Senator Danjuma Lah, urging him to reconsider his actions or face significant pushback from party members.

The party criticized Lah’s attempts to facilitate a leadership transition that would favor former Kogi West Senator Dino Melaye, whom they described as the “weakest politician” in the state.

A statement issued by Alhaji Ibrahim Dansofo, spokesperson for the PDP Elders Council, emphasized that the party has diminished in influence and is now regarded as a third-tier party in Kogi due to poor performance in recent elections.

The Elders Council expressed strong disapproval of any efforts to hand over leadership to Melaye, asserting that such moves would be met with resistance.

“We are aware of their intentions,” the statement read, accusing Lah of attempting to create a faction within the party that could lead to legal disputes.

The party underscored that the recent congress held on July 28 and 29 was the most successful in its history and called on the National Working Committee, led by Chairman Iliya Damagum and Secretary Senator Samuel Anyanwu, to rein in Lah, whom they claim is acting as a puppet for Melaye.

The statement highlighted Melaye’s poor electoral performance, noting that he failed to secure votes even in his own ward during the last gubernatorial election.

This, they argue, underscores his inability to lead the party effectively.

The Kogi PDP lamented the exodus of members from the party, “especially in light of the upcoming local government elections, where they have seen little interest in party affiliation.”

“With no serious candidates stepping forward to purchase PDP nomination forms, the party insists that urgent restructuring is necessary to regain its footing in the state,” the statement added.