From George Onyejiuwa Owerri
Former governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha and the entire leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Okigwe zone, Imo North Senatorial zone, have resigned from the party in the state, saying that it no longer represents their political aspirations.
Ihedioha, in a letter addressed to the ward chairman of the party at Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area, cited the inability of the party to carry out internal reforms as his reason for quitting.
“Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the PDP as one of the founding members.
“All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power.
“I have had the benefit of serving and benefiting from the party at various levels. Regrettably, in recent times, the party has been on a path that is at variance with my personal belief.
“In spite of my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly, no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the PDP effective immediately.”
He said although quitting the party was a difficult decision, he believed that it was the right thing to do. “In spite of this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria,” he said.
On its part, the leadership of the PDP in Okigwe zone, accused the national leadership of ignoring the ongoing crisis in the state chapter despite several representations and entreaties on the matter.
Addressing a press Conference on behalf of Okigwe Zonal executive in Owerri, Sir Stanley Ekezie said the national leadership has failed to function as a strong and virile opposition party, but has rather set itself on a collision course with complete failure and decline.
The statement read in part: “Sequel to recent occurrences and happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP), we, the Okigwe zonal Committee and its top leadership, at an emergency meeting held earlier today, Tuesday 23rd April, 2024, have arrived at the conclusion that the developments witnessed at the recent Board of Trustees, National Caucus, National Executive committee meetings respectively at Abuja, have indubitably demonstrated that the hitherto formidable PDP has, from every indication, not only failed to function as a strong and virile opposition party, but has rather set itself on collision course with complete failure and decline.
“Those of us in the South East, and in Imo State in particular, have had to contend with a contrived, prolonged and ongoing crisis, which the national leadership of the party, despite several representations and entreaties on the matter, has ignored, neglected or refused to resolve. All of these inevitably culminated in the dismal and disgraceful results recorded by the party during the off-season governorship election in November 2023, over which the PDP at the national level is still playing the Ostrich.
“As a consequence, therefore, and in consideration of these acts of disdain and disregard for the leadership of the South East PDP, we have unanimously resolved to tender our individual and collective resignations from the party, through our respective ward chairmen across the six local governments areas of Imo North Senatorial District.”
He said they would make public their next political steps after relevant deliberations and wide consultations on the issue.