Mr Olugbenga Edema, the candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the Nov. 16, 2024 governorship election in Ondo State, has resigned from the party.
Edema’s resignation letter addressed to the NNPP chairman in Mahin Ward 11, in Ilaje Local Government of the state, was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Okitipupa.
He lamented the internal crisis in the party which he said was not good for any serious party ready to win elections.
Edema, in the letter dated May 9, 2025, also said that the activities of party leadership negates the ethics of political parties, and as such responsible for his resignation from the party.
According to him, since joining the party in June 2024, the party has being characterised with internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted its growth.
“This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties.
“Furthermore, the activities of the leadership of the party negates the ethics of political parties; which is to form Government at various levels,” he said.
Edema, a former Chairman, Ondo Stare Oil Producing Areas Commission (OSOPDEC) also expressed displeasure over the alleged treacherous attitudes of the NNPP leadership in the state, which he said frustrated him over the withdrawal of his case in the court in favour of opposition party.
“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.
“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, no doubt, lessons have been learnt,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Edema did not indicate the new party he would join after dumping the NNPP.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Edema, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), defected to the NNPP, after Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa emerged winner of the APC governorship election.
