Former Imo Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, Resigns from PDP Over Party’s Deviation from Principles

By Iyojo Ameh

Former Imo State governor, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, has officially tendered his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing a fundamental misalignment between his personal beliefs and the current political trajectory of the opposition party.

Ihedioha, who served only seven months as Imo governor before being removed from office by the Supreme Court, conveyed his decision in a resignation letter addressed to the party chairman on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.

In the letter, directed to the chairman of his constituency, Mbutu Ward, Aboh Mbaise local government area of Imo State, Ihedioha expressed his enduring commitment to the advancement of democracy and good governance in Nigeria despite his departure from the PDP.

Highlighting his longstanding involvement with the PDP since its inception in 1998, Ihedioha emphasized his contributions to the party’s development and transformation as one of its founding members. However, he expressed regret over the party’s failure to adhere to internal reforms, enforce its own rules, and provide credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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.”