Senator Dino Melaye, Cease Your Lamentation

“When a man stumbles twice, it is not for lack of understanding but for pride.” Senator Dino Melaye’s recent outburst against the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is the picture of a man unwilling to accept his own role in the party’s decline. As some critics have pointed out, his accusations of commercialization and betrayal by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) members, though vocal, conveniently ignored his own tumultuous history with the party.

Melaye’s claims that the PDP is now defunct, a “once upon a time party,” sound more like the complaints of a bitter man than the reasoned critique of a statesman. Given that he, too, was once part of the party’s inner circle, it raises the question of whether his criticism is born out of genuine concern or personal disappointment.

The PDP’s crisis is not new. Internal divisions and leadership struggles date back to before Melaye’s most recent defeat in Kogi State’s gubernatorial election. But the loss to Usman Ododo, a political newcomer, seems to have particularly stung Melaye, who had toned down his usual flamboyant antics in a bid to be taken more seriously. But he failed to take the gubernatorial belt.

Melaye has always been known for using humour and spectacle to draw attention. Therefore, his sober demeanour this time leaves people wondering. But commentators are quick to reassure that the man’s decision to publicly denounce the PDP’s leadership is more self-serving than altruistic. By blaming the NWC for the party’s woes, he diverts attention from his own shortcomings as a candidate.

Melaye may find solace in attacking the current PDP leadership, it does little to advance the party’s cause or his own political future. The strength of the All Progressives Congress (APC), especially in Kogi, suggests that Melaye’s troubles may just be starting—unless he decides to switch loyalties based on the direction the wind is blowing.

Maybe all of this is an elaborate scheme in that regard. Maybe not. But, in the end, a man who throws mud should be careful where it lands; it might just refuse to go anywhere and stick to him.