APC speaks on Dino Melaye’s failed recall

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Haddy Ametuo, says “some ghosts “ initiated the recall process against Sen. Dino Melaye.

Mr Ametuo, who stated this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Sunday on the botched recall process, expressed delight that the efforts had come to a premature end through the collective will of the people of Kogi West Senatorial District.

“Melaye, the only senator our party has in Kogi State, won with 94.66 per cent leaving the remaining 5.34 per cent to the petitioners.

“The messages are very clear; that Senator Melaye is the most popular senator ever produced by Kogi West,” the statement said.

According to the chairman, this is a sign of what to expect in the 2019 general elections.

“No amount of financial inducement and coercion will change the will of the people of Kogi State in future elections,’’ he said.

The APC Chairman commended the high level of neutrality and transparency displayed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC ) and other stakeholders throughout the exercise.

“It gives us high optimism that future elections will be very free and fair. INEC therefore deserves commendations for the job well done,” he said.

Mr Ametuo called on the petitioners and Mr Melaye as well as his followers to embrace peace and heed the voice of God “ because the voice of the people is the voice of God.’’

He insisted that the APC still remains the most viable alternative for good governance in the state.

“ I call on all members of our party to conduct themselves in a manner that will boost the image of our great party and not things that will further cause disrepute in our party,” he said.

The recall exercise of Mr Melaye, held in his Kogi West senatorial district, failed on Saturday as less than six percent of registered voters verified their signature for the recall.

That marks the end of the recall process which the embattled senator blamed on his state governor, Yahaya Bello.

Both men are members of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, but are political adversaries.

Apart from facing the recall, Mr Melaye is also to be prosecuted by the police for alleged criminal conspiracy and allegedly arming criminals; charges he has denied.

He is currently on admittance at the National Hospital, Abuja after he reportedly jumped off a police vehicle while being taken to Kogi for prosecution.