By Abiola Olawale
The internal crisis rocking the Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has hit the rooftop, as several chieftains have begun to dump the party in droves.
The New Diplomat reports that over 20 PDP chieftains in the state have resigned from the party within a month and may be headed for other parties.
The exodus began when a former PDP presidential aspirant and ex-Deputy speaker, Chief Cosmas Ndukwe, and the entire executives of his ward in the Bende council area of Abia, quit the PDP about two weeks ago,
Meanwhile, on Monday, May 6, former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, resigned his membership in the PDP.
Enyinnaya is son of former Governor and ex-Senator of Abia State, Theodore Orji.
The ex-speaker, who made this known during a press briefing on Monday night, said: “After careful consultation and personal decision, I have decided to exit the PDP. It’s time to move on with our lives.”
His resignation is coming shortly after Chris Nwagboso, a former Deputy Chief of Staff (office of the Deputy Governor), in Abia State, resigned his membership of the PDP.
Nwagboso made his resignation public in a letter he addressed to the PDP chairman, Ehi-Na-Uguru/Osokwa Ward 5, Isiala Ngwa South LGA, Abia State.
Others, who have tendered their resignation letters in the last two days, include the former Chief Whip of the state Assembly, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwabeke; council chairmen of Isuikwuato and Isiala Ngwa South, Chief Chima Agbeze, and Dr. Chris Nwagboso, respectively; former Assembly members for Umunneochi and Obingwa West state constituencies, Prince Ikedi Ezekwesiri and Chief Uche Nwankpa; and ex-council chairmen of Ohafia and Isiala Ngwa South, Dr. Okoroafor Ukiwe and Chief Iyke Anyatonwu.
Reacting to the defections, the state publicity secretary of the PDP, Elder Amah Abraham, said the recent departure of some prominent figures from the PDP signals a vital phase of transformation and rebirth of the party.
He said: “The departure of these esteemed individuals, akin to the shedding of dry leaves, is an essential process in the rejuvenation of our party. This symbolic act paves the way for the emergence of a new era within the Abia PDP, one characterised by vitality, dynamism, and a fresh perspective.
“It is a necessary step towards creating a reinvigorated political landscape that is free from the inertia of the past and embraces the promise of a brighter future.
“Their exit signifies not an end, but a new beginning, a chapter in which dormant energies are awakened, and sleeping stakeholders are revitalised.
“It is a time for introspection, renewal, and a collective commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive party that truly represents the aspirations of the people.”
