23rd April, 2024
….Ihedioha has been a member of the PDP since its inception in 1998
By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Ihedioha, who is also a former governor of Imo announced his decision to quit Nigeria’s main opposition party in a letter to the chairman of his Mbutu Ward, Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state, according to reports.
In the letter, the former Deputy Speaker said he decided to dump the party because it could no longer play credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Ihedioha, who noted that he has been a member of the PDP since its inception in 1998 said the party has been unable to reform itself by carrying out critical internal reforms.
The letter reads, “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of the Peoples 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 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 People’s Democratic Party effective immediately. While the 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.”
Ihedioha was also forced to pull out of the battle for the Imo ticket of PDP for the 2023 governorship election.