Former Senator Dino Melaye has announced he will not contest the 2027 senatorial election, saying the decision is a deliberate sacrifice to preserve unity and advance political progress in Okunland.
Melaye made the declaration during a strategic meeting of political leaders and stakeholders from the Okun axis held at his residence in Kabba, Kogi State. The meeting, convened under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), drew representatives from the various local governments that make up the Okun extraction of Kogi West.
“I heard people are saying that I called for a meeting because I want to contest. Let me say it clearly, here and open: I am not contesting for anything in the interest of Okunland,” Melaye told the gathering. He added that “it is not everything that you want to come out for. This is the time to make sacrifices.”
Melaye said his immediate focus is on strengthening party structures and mobilising grassroots support across the senatorial district. He urged stakeholders to ensure leadership positions—from ward to local government and state levels—are filled by individuals with genuine grassroots acceptance and warned against imposing unpopular figures.
Highlighting the need for equitable political arrangements, Melaye noted that Kogi West comprises the federal constituencies of Kabba/Bunu, Ijumu, Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro. He cautioned that no single constituency should overshadow the interests of the others as alignments and consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.
Political watchers say Melaye’s decision could reshape calculations within the Okun bloc and open the field to new contenders. La Palabras recalls that consultations have already begun quietly across the state as parties position themselves for the upcoming elections.
