The leading opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been thrown into disarray with the sudden resignation of 2023 frontline Presidential aspirant and former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi from the party.
This is as top party stalwarts in the South East region have resolved to resign from the party en masse. Others who have so far tendered their resignation or shown strong signs of resigning from the party include Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.
The main grouse of party leaders from the South East which is triggering the exodus is the “disdain” of the national leadership of PDP towards the region which has supported the party since the advent of democracy in 1999.
The Dr Iyorchia Ayu-led National Executive Committee of the party had spurned the zoning culture enshrined in the party’s constitution and thrown the race open even when it was generally agreed that it was the turn of the South East to produce the Presidential candidate.
And even in the race to produce the Vice Presidential candidate, the party leadership is looking not to the South East region but the South South region where it is expected that the slot will go to either Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike or Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State as they are working to produce Atiku Abubakar or any of the Northern candidate as the party’s flag bearer.
Obi’s resignation was the first bombshell for the PDP as the party never saw it coming.
Director General of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Doyin Okupe, who made Obi’s resignation from PDP public after submitting a copy of his resignation letter to the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja, on Wednesday, noted that the aspirant took the decision following recent happenings within the party.
Obi had in the letter titled: “Resignation From Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Withdrawal from the Presidential Contest,” which he addressed to the PDP National Chairman, Sen. Iyiochia Ayu, dated May 24, 2022, said he had already notified the party Chairman at the ward level.
He wrote, “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2, Anaocha LGA, Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022. Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal from the PDP Presidential Primaries.
“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.
“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs.
“I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of country.“
