Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Kogi State have accused the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) of manipulating the delegates’ list for the primary election to facilitate the emergence of Dino Melaye as the party’s flagbearer. They also accused the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, of being behind the plot.
Led by Farouk Adejoh, a former chairman of Olamaboro local government area in the state, the stakeholders protested against the alleged manipulation while addressing newsmen in Abuja. They warned that they would work against the party in the November 2023 governorship election if a level playing field is not ensured during the primaries.
The stakeholders claimed that Abdul Ningi, Atiku’s ally, was responsible for the manipulation and that the delegate list had been altered to favour Melaye. They also accused the party leadership of pushing people out of the party, which they said was detrimental to the party’s success in the election.
The stakeholders called on Atiku to ensure that not a single name among the delegates is changed, and that the right thing is done. They also urged him to stop the alleged manipulation and prevent the emergence of an unpopular candidate as the party’s flagbearer.
In response, Melaye denied the allegations, describing them as imaginary and far from the truth. He accused the protesters of becoming frustrated after they failed to manipulate the ward congress. He also denied that Atiku was trying to manipulate the results in his favour.
PDP stakeholders in Kogi State have accused the party’s leadership of plotting to manipulate the delegates’ list for the primary election to favour Dino Melaye. They have called on Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, to intervene and ensure that a level playing field is provided during the primaries. The stakeholders warned that they would work against the party in the November 2023 governorship election if their demands are not met.
