Tajudeen Yusuf, a PDP member of the house of representatives who defeated Dino Melaye in the party’s primary election for Kogi East senatorial seat, has reprimanded those mocking the former senator.
Melaye who was sacked from the senate by the court in 2019, is seeking to return to the upper legislative chamber in 2023.
But on Wednesday, Yusuf defeated him to clinch the PDP ticket for Kogi west senatorial district ahead of the 2023 polls.
Many took to social media to mock Melaye after his defeat, most notably Isaac Fayose, the brother of Ayo Fayose, former Ekiti governor.
But in a statement on Wednesday, the lawmaker described Melaye as a “worthy opponent” and a “good man”.
“My brother, Senator Dino Melaye did not waste time in conceding victory to me; no matter what anyone thinks, he is a good man and a good politician who will remain relevant well beyond 2023,” he said.
“Senator Melaye was a worthy opponent and irrespective of who wins the forthcoming PDP presidential primaries, he would continue to be relevant; I strongly appeal that all those mocking my brother should stop immediately as such disposition is needless, unwarranted and very unhelpful to our common cause.
“In fact, while I thank all our elders at home and abroad as well as all our party leaders and eminent non-PDP citizens who consistently called delegates to ensure votes for me.
“I must thank Senator Dino Melaye for his immediate concession speech and brotherly disposition which did not just begin today.
“I feel very happy, I thank Almighty God who has done this, I thank my family, my leaders and supporters; they have consistently given me all necessary support and I thank my mother for being a wonderful mother for her prayers and best wishes.”