Former senator and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign spokesperson, Dino Melaye, has stated that his longstanding relationship with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar does not undermine his independence or stop him from speaking truth to power.
Melaye made this known in a recent interview where he addressed public concerns about his political decisions, particularly the claim that he always follows Atiku from one political party to another.
The Kogi-born politician, who recently left the PDP to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said his political choices are driven by personal convictions, not blind loyalty.
“I am not a teen and I’ve won elections in this country to the House of Representatives, to the Senate. If there’s convergence of ideology with Atiku Abubakar, it’s a fantastic thing, but I am a man of my own,” Melaye said.
He made it clear that while he shares a strong personal and political relationship with Atiku, it does not prevent him from criticising the former Vice President when necessary.
“By the grace of God, I have an indestructible relationship with Atiku Abubakar, but that does not mean I don’t have principles as a human being… When Atiku is not doing the right things, I will say so,” he stated.
Speaking on his decision to leave the PDP, Melaye blamed what he described as a complete breakdown in leadership and vision within the party.
“The PDP became sick, and unfortunately, the party completely lost its direction, leadership, and the current leadership compromised,” he said.
When asked whether he would back Atiku if the former Vice President decided to contest the 2027 presidency under the ADC, Melaye said such a decision is not on the table yet, noting that Atiku has not made any such declaration.
According to him, the immediate focus of the ADC leadership is stabilising the party and preparing it as a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
