Lokoja, Kogi State – In a strongly worded statement that has further deepened the political rift surrounding the former Senator representing Kogi West, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State has formally distanced itself from Senator Dino Melaye, cautioning him in unequivocal terms to immediately cease presenting himself as a member or spokesperson of the party.
The stern warning was issued on behalf of the state chapter by the party’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Tayo John, during a press briefing in Lokoja, the state capital. According to John, Senator Melaye has never been a registered or recognized member of the African Democratic Congress at any level – neither in his home ward nor across the entire state structure.
“Let me state unequivocally and for the avoidance of doubt that Senator Dino Melaye is not a member of the African Democratic Congress in Kogi State. He is not known at his ward level, he has no ward registration, and therefore possesses no identity, legitimacy, or authority within our party,” John declared, leaving no room for ambiguity.
The spokesman accused the controversial former lawmaker of persistent and unwarranted interference in the internal affairs of the ADC in Kogi State. He alleged that Melaye has been making repeated public pronouncements and launching what he termed “needless, baseless, and malicious attacks” against the duly constituted leadership of the party.
John emphasized that the current state executive committee of the ADC remains intact, united, and fully in charge of the party’s activities. He categorically denied the existence of any alliance, understanding, or working relationship between the leadership of the party and individuals he described as “political marauders” who lay illegitimate claim to membership without following due process.
“Those who parade themselves as members without proper registration and without going through the laid-down procedures are nothing but marauders in the political space. The ADC in Kogi State has no relationship whatsoever with such elements,” the PRO asserted.
In what appeared to be a direct jab at Melaye’s flamboyant social media presence and frequent viral commentary on national issues, John dismissed the former Senator as a mere “social media content creator” whose opinions and outbursts do not in any way reflect the ideology, vision, or interests of the African Democratic Congress.
He argued that Melaye’s public conduct and utterances are fundamentally inconsistent with the core principles, discipline, and progressive posture that the ADC prides itself on. Consequently, the party insisted that Melaye possesses absolutely no moral or constitutional authority to speak on behalf of, or make any pronouncement concerning, the African Democratic Congress in Kogi State.
“The African Democratic Congress is a principled, ideologically driven political platform. We do not operate on the whims of social media sensationalism or the personal ambitions of political jobbers. Anyone who wishes to be part of this movement must subject himself or herself to the laid-down registration processes and internal discipline,” John stressed.
The public disownment is the latest episode in what has become a recurring pattern of friction between Senator Melaye and various political platforms in Kogi State since his high-profile defeat in the 2023 Kogi State governorship election under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Following that electoral loss, there had been speculations and unconfirmed reports in some quarters that Melaye was making moves toward the ADC as a possible new political home ahead of future contests.
However, Saturday’s statement from the ADC leadership appears to have firmly shut the door on any such possibility, at least from the perspective of the current state executive. Political observers note that the development may force Melaye to either return to the PDP, explore another smaller party, or contemplate independent political ventures.
The ADC’s position also underscores the growing assertiveness of smaller political parties in Nigeria who are increasingly guarding their structures against what they perceive as attempts by prominent but controversial politicians to hijack or destabilize them for personal gain.
As at the time of filing this report, efforts to reach Senator Dino Melaye for his reaction to the ADC’s disclaimer proved abortive. His media aides promised to revert once the former Senator responds to the party’s allegations.
Nevertheless, given Melaye’s well-known penchant for rapid and often colorful social media responses, many expect a robust counter-statement from him in the coming hours or days.
For now, the African Democratic Congress in Kogi State has drawn a clear red line: Dino Melaye is not one of them, has never been one of them, and – barring an unlikely formal registration and reconciliation process – will not be recognized as one of them.
The unfolding drama continues to provide another fascinating chapter in Kogi State’s ever-turbulent political landscape, where loyalty shifts, public spats, and dramatic disownments have almost become part of the normal political culture.
