Senator Dino Melaye, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, has pledged to reconstruct the state within four years if elected governor. Melaye highlighted plans for the growth of both the Ajaokuta Steel Company and the Itakpe Iron Ore Mining Company, aiming for economic prosperity in the state.

During the concluding campaign rally in Lokoja, Melaye expressed his vision for a new and improved Lokoja, drawing parallels to the development of cities like New York and New Delhi. He emphasized Kogi's strategic importance and its abundance of mineral resources, ranging from uranium and titanium to gold and crude oil.

Melaye outlined his commitment to tapping into these resources, exploring, developing, and commercializing them for the state's benefit. He stressed the need to diversify the state's revenue sources, utilizing its vast mineral wealth for increased internal generated revenue (IGR) and overall development.

Identifying himself as a well-trained student of former Vice-President Abubakar Atiku, Melaye positioned himself as the most educated, experienced, and exposed candidate among the 18 participants in the upcoming poll. He called for massive votes from residents to support his candidacy.

Former Vice-President Atiku endorsed Melaye as the most qualified candidate to lead Kogi, urging residents to rally around him and vote for a change from the current APC administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, which he referred to as "poisonous."