TheCable

Nyesom Wike, governor of Rivers, says Dino Melaye does not have what it takes to be governor.

Wike spoke on Tuesday at a media chat in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers.

Dino Melaye, a former senator, is among the contenders screened by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the primary election.

Wike said if Melaye wins the party’s ticket, he can’t defeat other candidates in the race to secure victory in the governorship election scheduled for November 11.

“When you give Dino that ticket you know he won’t win in Kogi state,” he said.

“You’re talking about governance of a state, we are not talking about drama.

“Dino does not have what it takes. What is he going to do? Why would Kogi people say they will vote for Dino? Are we joking?

“He does not have what it takes to be a governor at all. It is not about coming to act drama on television.”

DELEGATES LIST SAGA

TheCable had reported how some stalwarts in the PDP are working to favour Melaye as the party’s flag bearer.

An insider told TheCable that there is a plan to allow Melaye nominate 60 percent of delegates expected to vote in the governorship primary.

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the PDP, was also accused of backing Melaye.

However, Paul Ibe, Abubakar’s media adviser denied the allegation, saying his principal does not have a preferred candidate in the party primary.

Wike said the process to elect the party’s flag-bearer should be free and credible to allow the best candidate emerge.

“Elections will come like what they are going for now in Kogi state. Of course, you have seen what is going on — how lists have been changed to favour a particular candidate (whose candidacy) as far as I am concerned is dead on arrival,” he said.