In the recent PDP governorship primaries which was the last hope of some people to get a strong candidate to face a man who doesn’t know how to lose, a man whose track record of beating his opponent increases by the day, Dino Melaye was seen as a strong aspirant by many because of his vocal and amusing way of politics. A lot termed him as a man who can overcome any pressure from Governor Yahaya Bello (GYB) and command popularity among people who are emotionally captured by this unofficial Nollywood star.
Boom! and it was primary election. We kept the day watch but nothing tangible was done except the marketing. Some where disappointed that they couldn’t make the delegate list that would have changed their lives. Those who eventually made it, were there for personal business. This uneventful day watch ended and for us who can’t keep the night watch, we kissed our pillows and hugged our beds, hoping for the best.
We woke up to the news of violence and ballot snatching. At first people started spreading news of how the son of the former governor was already in clear lead. No news of Dino yet. The day went on and it was already looking like PDP was without a candidate to battle the defending champion.
As things began to look red for the umbrella party, the leadership decided in a hurry to announce Engineer MUsa Wada who by the last count led the former governor’s son by 38 votes.
The result was announced and the man so highly thought to be a ‘giant-slayer’ performed below expectation. He failed woefully. Senator Dino Melaye scored 70 votes where men were scoring over 700. Senator Dino Melaye was clearly ten times behind but as usual he was first to launch a complaint, capitalizing on the fact that PDP can be without a candidate if he takes further judicial steps.
As expected, Engineer Wada went to make peace with him. Dino automatically made himself seem relevant once more. A clause that is sure to get you the money. If people don’t believe in Dino to give him their votes in a primary election, do you think they will in a general election?
Kogi West had about 800 delegates and Dino Melaye still scored 70. Do people in Kogi West really believe in Dino? We know the obvious answers. I was expecting a peace treaty with the Idris first before any other factions.
Once again the media was agog with the peace arrangement with Dino as a powerful force that will move GYB. Like I often say, social media acceptance has little or no effect on people who do the real voting.
With this Dino’s move, I predict a withdrawal of his petition from the National Working Committee. Dino will also not go to court. I believe Wada’s move was in defense of his King. Dino has no intention of really checkmating the king. It’s just part of his last moves because the game is almost over. Once business is settled which should involve power bargain and financial gain, then Wada’s expected move in defense is complete. Dino will be ready for further moves but not with the intention of winning but with what he can gain.
– Omeiza Samuel wrote from Kogi.
