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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, has lost the bid to return to the National Assembly after he was defeated in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election.
Melaye was defeated at the by a three-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Yusuf, who represents Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
While Melaye got 99 votes, Yusuf polled 163 votes from the delegates to clinch the PDP ticket for Kogi West Senatorial District.
Before Tuesday’s run-off election, both Melaye and Yusuf polled 88 votes on Monday, while another aspirant, Sam Aro, got 72 votes.
It was gathered that during the run-off, supporters of Aro decided to pitch their tent with Yusuf, which gave the House of Representatives member the block votes to defeat Melaye.
In the political drama unfolding in Kogi State, Yusuf is supporting the 2023 presidential ambition of Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, while Dino Melaye belongs to the camp of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar.
Reacting to the result on his Twitter page on Tuesday evening, Melaye wrote: “The Primary has been fought and won. I congratulate Hon. T.J YUSUF and thank all those who voted in the first and second ballot for me. The Gang up is unimaginable but l give God praise. God bless you all.”
Also reacting, the winner of the context, Yusuf, via his Twitter handle, wrote: “Very excited to announce that the #KogiWest Senatorial Primaries have been concluded and I have emerged as the candidate for our great party, @OfficialPDPNig. God is good! #TeeJayForSenate2023.”