By Abiola Olawale
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has announced his decision to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Ihedioha, who was a Governor of Imo State for seven months in 2019/2020 before he was removed by a Supreme Court ruling, said his decision to leave the PDP was because the party was no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules, or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Ihedioha disclosed this in a strongly worded letter addressed to the chairman of PDP in his Mbutu Ward of Aboh Mbaise local government area in Imo State.
He also copied the chairman of the PDP Board of Trustees (BoT), the PDP acting national chairman, and the chairman of the PDP in Imo State.
The letter, dated April 23, 2024, and titled, “Resignation From The Peoples Democratic Party,” reads: “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the Peoples Democratic Party 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 benefitting from the party at various levels.
“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite 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.
“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party effective immediately.
“While this decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one. Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”
The New Diplomat reports that Ihedioha’s resignation is coming a few days after the PDP held its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, in which the acting National Chairman of the party, Umar Damagum, was given the nod to stay in office despite calls for his removal.
Also, the NEC failed to take far-reaching decisions on those accused of anti-party activities during the 2023 elections.
Lately, the PDP was plunged into crisis after about 60 members of the House of Representatives demanded Damagum’s departure, advocating for the appointment of a substantive chairman from the North Central zone of the country.
Damagum is accused by some PDP leaders, including federal lawmakers, of doing the bidding of the APC, with the development causing rancour within the party fold, as members are divided over Damagun.
There are indications that members calling for Damagun’s removal are supporting former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while those calling for the continued stay of the acting national chairman back the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyseom Wike.
A source told The New Diplomat that Idehioha’s resignation might be the beginning of a mass movement from the PDP.
The source said many members are aggrieved about the decisions of the NEC in its last meeting, particularly for failing to sanction all the members accused of supporting opposition parties during the 2023 general election.
