Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has expressed his skepticism about Senator Dino Melaye’s governorship aspirations in Kogi State, noting that the two-time member of the National Assembly lacks the capacity to vie for such a position. The governor stated this during a media chat with selected journalists in Port Harcourt.
Wike emphasized that awarding the PDP governorship ticket to Melaye would be a colossal mistake as he does not have the credentials to win an election. According to him, Melaye’s mere affiliation with Kogi State does not equate to electoral success if he contests an election.
The governor further stated that if the PDP gives Melaye the ticket, the party would be doomed to lose the exercise. He posited that the party should prioritize the desire to win the election rather than merely having a candidate.
When asked if he would campaign for the PDP if Melaye wins the ticket, Wike replied in the negative, emphasizing that he would not do that.
In his response, Melaye refuted the claims, stating that Governor Wike was suffering from a psychotic disorder. He added that his credentials were clear, stating that he is not corrupt, and no anti-corruption agency is after him. The former senator expressed confidence in his ability to govern the state diligently, drawing from his experience as a two-time member of the National Assembly.
Melaye stated that Wike’s support is insignificant, citing instances where the governor spent Rivers State funds to install a governor in Cross Rivers State and Akwa Ibom State, but his candidates lost woefully. He urged Wike to steer clear of Kogi politics.
The Kogi State gubernatorial election is slated to hold in 2024, and it remains to be seen if Senator Dino Melaye will clinch the PDP governorship ticket despite Governor Wike’s skepticism.
