Dino Melaye Alleges Rigged Election in Kogi Governorship

Senator Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Kogi State governorship election, has made startling allegations, suggesting a rigged election worked against him. Melaye, speaking on Channels TV, claimed that political machinations were at play to ensure he finished third in the election.

According to Melaye, there was significant over-voting in 17 of the 21 local government areas in Kogi State, which he believes was part of a deliberate strategy to manipulate the election results. He described a scenario where, as he claims, a meeting was held with the decision that Melaye must not come second due to the perceived threat it would pose, ensuring instead that he finished a distant third. This, in his view, was a clear indication of a rigged election.

Melaye’s allegations were not limited to the Kogi State election. He drew parallels with the 2023 general elections in Lagos, suggesting that similar tactics were employed there. He called for the cancellation of the Kogi election, terming the conduct of the poll as shameful and a blatant instance of a rigged election.

Despite Melaye’s assertions, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Ahmed Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. Melaye’s claim of a rigged election adds to the growing discourse on electoral integrity in Nigeria, raising questions about the fairness of democratic processes.

In conclusion, the controversy which Dino Melaye has ignited with his claim of a rigged election in Kogi State highlights the challenges facing electoral transparency and democracy in Nigeria. It underscores the need for stringent measures to ensure the credibility of elections and to foster a genuine democratic environment.