By Ken Afor
In a surprising move, former Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, April 23.
This was conveyed in a statement he signed and made available to the press on Tuesday.
Mr Ihedioha, a founding member of the party since 1998, cited ideological differences as the reason for his departure, as conveyed in a statement he signed and made available to the press on Tuesday.
Ihedioha, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, stated that the party was no longer capable of carrying out internal reforms and enforcing its own rules.
“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs,” Ihedioha stated in his resignation letter.
“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.”
Ihedioha expressed pride in having contributed to the PDP’s development over the past 24 years, but felt compelled to leave due to the party’s current direction.
“It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party effective immediately,” he wrote.
The former governor, who served a brief term in 2019 before his election was overturned, insisted the decision was difficult but necessary.
“While this decision was difficult to take, I, however, believe that it is the right one,” he said.
Ihedioha vowed to remain committed to democracy in Nigeria, saying, “Despite this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria.”
To political analysts, Ihedioha’s resignation may have dealt another blow to the opposition PDP, which has struggled to regain its footing since losing the presidency in 2015 to the All Progressives Congress (APC) – a coalition of four opposition political parties the merged barely two years earlier in 2013.
Also, his departure from the PDP has elicited reactions from Nigerians on social media, saying it was the best move for the Imo State politician.
