The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Hon. Olugbenga Edema has resigned his membership of the party.
Edema who addressed his resignation letter to the NNPP chairman of his Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje Local Government Area, on Sunday, described the party as being ‘treacherous.”
The NNPP candidate lost the governorship election to the incumbent governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa in the November 16, 2024 governorship election in the state.
However, in the resignation letter, Edema cited the unseriousness on the part of the party as the reason behind his resignation.
According to him, “Since my over 35 years in active political party participation, I have never seen a political party with a leadership so treacherous to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party against its candidate.”
He further stated that the activities of the leadership of “the party negates the ethos of political parties, which is to form a Government at various levels.”
“I wish to humbly inform you of my intention to resign my membership of the party forthwith.
“Since joining the party in June 2024, the party has been characterised by internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted the growth of the party; this is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties.
“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above-stated objectives of any serious-minded political party.
“From the foregoing, it is obvious that I am not on the same page with the leadership of the party as to what a party’s objectives and values should be.
“By this letter, therefore, I hereby cease to be a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, 9th May, 2025. No doubt, lessons have been learnt,” Edema wrote in the resignation letter.
The former governorship candidate has however not indicated his choice of new political party.
