A former governor of Imo state Emeka Ihedioha, has left the peoples’ democratic party (PDP), 26 years after joining one of the country’s leading opposition political parties.
Having been one of the party’s founding members, the former deputy speaker of the house of representatives cited a variance of “personal beliefs” as part of his reason for quitting the PDP.
He said he regretted that despite his 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 made the announcement in a letter addressed to the party’s chairman in the Mbutu ward of Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo state, he wrote “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the People’s Democratic Party (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 taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempts 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 People’s 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.”
Some of his allies hint the former deputy speaker is eyeing a move to the ruling APC in order to contest for the governorship seat in his state. One said, “Ihedioha loved PDP, and that has been the reason he has not thought of leaving the party for another political party but the recent happenings in the PDP have pushed him to resign.
“And from our calculations, particularly his trusted friends, he has an interest in the APC, and we think, if he doesn’t change his mind, we shall also see ourselves becoming members of APC, in a short time. He is likely to contest the 2027 governorship election in Imo State on that platform.”
