A senator, Dino Melaye, has confirmed recent reports that he is prepared to run in the upcoming Kogi State governorship election.
Mr Melaye, currently representing the Senatorial District of Kogi West, was reported to be eyeing the position late Saturday.
At a meeting held at David Jemibewon’s residence, a retired major general, the senator made his intention public.
The meeting was attended by leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In an inquiry late Saturday, Mr Melaye confirmed as ‘very true’ the report about his intention.
He gave no further details.
If he emerges as a candidate for the PDP, the senator with his bitter rival and current state governor, Yahaya Bello, will go head-to-head. This also depends on whether the ruling APC decides to nominate the governor.
Gideon Ayodele, an assistant to Mr Melaye, said the senator responded to the call from the PDP leaders at the meeting, asking anyone interested in contesting to indicate intention within two weeks.
“At this point, Senator Dino Melaye stood up and informed the meeting of his intention to join the race to Lugard House, the seat of Kogi State government coming November,” Mr Ayodele said.
Mr Melaye, a controversial senator, is being prosecuted by police for allegedly assisting violence in Kogi and allegedly attempting suicide while being taken by police to Kogi.
The election to the governorship of Kogi takes place on November 16.
