19th February, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo state, Barrister Adaze Andrew Emwanta, has resigned from the party.
His resignation notice is contained in a letter dated 18 February, 2024 and addressed to the chairman of Ward 7, Egor LGA of the party.
Emwanta who was a former Commissioner for information under Governor Godwin Obaseki, said his resignation consequent upon the outcome of last Saturday’s governorship primary election of the party.
He accused the leadership of the party of lacking in internal democracy, which he said has left him with no confidence in the party’s leadership structure.
Emwanta added that his continued association with the APC would compromise his ability to support any decent candidate of his choice in future elections.
Read the full text of his statement:
“I am writing to formally tender my resignation from the membership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), effective from today, the 18th day of February 2024.
“My decision to resign from the party stems from its lack of internal democracy, flowing from the flawed process of the just concluded Edo gubernatorial primaries, which has left me with no confidence in the party’s leadership structure and sense of political ethos.
“It is indeed a sad decision for me to take at this crucial time, particularly, because l joined the party few months ago. But, it is an inevitable decision, since l still enjoy the inalienable right to freedom of association, (or dissociation), guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended.
“I believe that my continued association with the APC would compromise my ability to support any decent candidate of my choice, as I would be compelled to unwittingly align with the party’s decisions, regardless of my personal convictions. To do otherwise will be termed “anti-party”. This was my grouse last year with my former party, the PDP.
Moving forward, l wish to be an “Independent” political player, who can freely support any candidate in future elections, based on their qualifications, integrity, and alignment with my values and beliefs. I am confident that this decision of mine is in the best interest of my life’s philosophy, social orientation and the political principles I hold very dear.
“Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from the APC. I would appreciate it if you could delete my name from your register at the ward, as l move on.”
A member of the party in Benin who preferred not to be named, observed that this might just be the beginning of a gale of resignation from the party.
According to him, the outcome of last Saturday’s primary election is gradually returning the era of thuggery to the party in the state.