The opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, faces a major setback as some of its leaders dumped the party following former Governor Emeka Ihedioha’s departure.
The entire leadership of the PDP in Okigwe zone (Imo North Senatorial zone) has officially stepped down from their roles within the party and renounced their membership, citing a disconnect between the party’s direction and their political aspirations.
This mass exodus follows closely on the heels of Ihedioha’s resignation from the party, where he highlighted the party’s failure to adhere to its principles or enact necessary internal reforms.
Expressing their grievances, the departing party chieftains lamented the National leadership’s indifference towards the ongoing crisis within the state chapter, despite repeated appeals for intervention.
Sir Stanley Ekezie, speaking on behalf of the party’s Okigwe Zonal executive, voiced disappointment in the National leadership’s inability to function as a robust opposition force, accusing it of steering the party towards imminent failure.
Ekezie stated, “Sequel to recent occurrences and happenings in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), We the Okigwe zonal Committee and its top leadership, at an emergency meeting held earlier today, Tuesday 23rd April 2024, have arrived at the conclusion that the developments witnessed at the recent Board of Trustees, National Caucus, National Executive committee meetings respectively at Abuja, have indubitably demonstrated that the hitherto formidable PDP has, from every indication, not only failed to function as a strong and virile opposition party but has rather set itself on a collision course with complete failure and decline.
“Those of us in the South East, and in Imo state in particular, have had to contend with the contrived, prolonged and ongoing crisis, which the National leadership of the party, despite several representations and entreaties on the matter, has ignored, neglected or refused to resolve. All of these inevitably culminated in the dismal and disgraceful results recorded by the party during the off-season governorship election in November 2023, over which the PDP at the National level was still playing the ostrich.
“As a consequence, therefore, and in consideration of these acts of disdain and disregard for the leadership of the South East PDP, we have unanimously resolved to tender our individual and collective resignations from the party, through our respective Ward Chairmen across the six local governments Areas of Imo North Senatorial District.”
The departing politicians indicated that they would announce their next political moves after thorough consultations.
Among those present at the press conference were Mrs Amarachi Owuamanam, former acting Okigwe Zonal chairman, Sir Stanley Ekezie, representing Ex officio of South East zonal PDP, Chief Chris Okewuluonu, former Chief of Staff, Government House under Former Governor Emeka Ihedioha, Hon Jonas Okeke, former House of Reps Member, as well as the State Legal adviser, Kissinger Ikeokwu, and State Publicity Secretary, Mazi Mmerenini.