Kogi Primaries: Dino Melaye Describes Victory As Collective Effort

The Kogi State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for November 11 governorship election, Dino Melaye, has described his emergence as the flagbearer as a collective effort, commending the leadership of the party, his co-contestants and party members for their conduct in the primary  which was held on Sunday in Lokoja, the state capital.

Melaye, a former lawmaker who represented Kogi West Senatorial District at the National Assembly polled a total of 313 votes in the election, beating eight other aspirants to clinch the ticket.

In a statement made available to newsmen in the early hours of Monday, Melaye said, “I thank the leaders of our party at the National, State, Local and ward levels, my dear brothers who advanced the cause of democracy in this contest and our numerous supporters who ensured that peace reigned, decorum prevailed, and conflicts were contained all through the process.

“As I savour this moment in humility, I return again to the scriptures.

"I recall the task and support that God gave to Moses to lead the people of Israel out of bandage to freedom.

"By the grace of God, our state will be liberated from the yoke of Yahaya Bello and APC.

“The outcome of today’s (Sunday’s) election is not traceable to the strength of anyone in our state.

"It is a collective victory; the manifestation of a new spirit and purposeful coalition of all peoples across our beloved state.

"I acknowledge especially the enormous energy and commitment deployed to this endeavour by my sister, Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan, and her beloved husband.

"Your day of celebration is very near, by the grace of God.

“I recognise that contests of this nature are hardly devoid of offences.

"I ask for forgiveness for all personal and corporate infractions in all my political navigations.”