Tajudeen Yusuf, a PDP member of the house who defeated Dino Melaye in the party’s primary election for the Kogi East senatorial seat, has chastised those who make fun of the former senator. Melaye, who was removed from the Senate by the Supreme Court in 2019, is seeking re-election in 2023.
However, Yusuf defeated him on Wednesday to secure the PDP ticket for Kogi West senatorial district ahead of the 2023 elections. Many people took to social media to mock Melaye after his defeat, most notably Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti governor Ayo Fayose.
However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmaker referred to Melaye as a “worthy opponent” and a “good man.” “Regardless of what anyone thinks, my brother, Senator Dino Melaye, did not waste time in conceding victory to me; he is a good man and a good politician who will remain relevant well beyond 2023,” he said. “Senator Melaye was a worthy opponent, and whoever wins the forthcoming PDP presidential primaries, he will remain relevant; I strongly urge all those mocking my brother to stop immediately, as such behavior is unnecessary, unwarranted, and very unhelpful to our common cause.”
“In fact, while I thank all of our elders at home and abroad, as well as all of our party leaders and eminent non-PDP citizens who have consistently called delegates to ensure votes for me. Senator Dino Melaye, I must thank you for your immediate concession speech and brotherly disposition, which did not begin today.
“I am overjoyed; I thank Almighty God for this; I thank my family, my leaders, and my supporters; they have consistently provided me with all necessary support; and I thank my mother for being a wonderful mother for her prayers and best wishes.”