August 1, 2025 | Lokoja
By Peter Omopo
Nearly a year after his suspension, former Senator representing Kogi West, Dino Melaye, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The controversial politician, who was the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2023 Kogi State election, announced his departure via a letter dated July 4, 2025, and shared publicly on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.
While Melaye did not disclose his next political move, sources suggest he may be headed for the African Democratic Party (ADP), a new coalition party whose inaugural meeting he recently attended.
His resignation follows a turbulent relationship with his party. On September 12, 2024, the PDP Ward 1 executive in Ayetoro/Iluagba, Ijumu Local Government Area, expelled Melaye over allegations of anti-party activities. The ward leadership, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Mr. Abayomi Osamika, and Secretary, Mr. Yodson Dayo, accused Melaye of conduct “bringing embarrassment and disrepute to the party.”
The expulsion was reportedly a result of Melaye’s refusal to appear before a disciplinary committee set up by the ward to address the allegations.
In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP Ward Chairman in Aiyetoro Gbede, Melaye said his decision came after careful reflection on the state of the party and its future direction.
“I hereby tender my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party at all levels of involvement,” the letter began. “This decision has become imperative due to the lack of potency and capacity by the party to deliver the Nigerian people from the prevailing political cankerworms that have eaten deeply into the fabric of our dear nation.”
Melaye added that he could no longer, in good conscience, support or participate in the PDP’s activities or agenda.
“In view of the above, please consider this as my formal withdrawal from the party and all its activities at all levels with immediate effect,” he wrote.
He ended the letter on a note of gratitude, saying, “Thank you for the opportunity to serve under the platform during my period of membership.”
Melaye’s exit marks another high-profile defection from the PDP amid ongoing internal crises and waning public confidence. Political observers will be watching closely to see if he officially aligns with the ADP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
