Asue Ighodalo’s campaign DG leaves PDP, says party has lost its founding vision

Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, director-general of the Asue Ighodalo campaign organisation for the 2024 Edo governorship election, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a letter dated July 17 and addressed to the PDP chairman in ward 5, Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo state, Iduoriyekemwen said the PDP has lost the vision of its founding fathers and no longer represents the ideals on which it was built.

“This is a painstaking decision for me, as the PDP has played a vital role in my political journey and personal development,” the letter read.

“For this, I remain deeply grateful and will always cherish the platform the party provided me.

“However, recent developments within the party — both at the state and national levels — have made it difficult for me to remain as a member of the party.

“The values and principles that once defined the PDP, as laid down by our founding fathers, appear to have been eroded. What we see today no longer aligns with the vision they had for a truly democratic, all-inclusive, and people-centred political party.”

Iduoriyekemwen said he was stepping back from partisan politics to focus on his family and personal business.

“This is not a decision made out of anger or haste, but one rooted in deep reflection and a sincere desire to preserve my personal values and integrity,” he said.

He thanked leaders and members of the party in his ward for their support and wished the PDP success in future endeavours.

Iduoriyekemwen joins a growing list of PDP chieftains who have recently dumped the party.

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine and former presidential aspirant, resigned his membership of the PDP in a letter dated July 17 and addressed to the PDP ward chairman in Ihievbe, Owan east LGA, Edo state.

Similarly, in a letter dated July 14 and addressed to the party’s ward chairman in Jada, Jada LGA of Adamawa state, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar announced his resignation from the PDP.

Tunde Ogbeha, a former senator representing Kogi west, also resigned his membership of the party in a letter addressed to the chairman of PDP Ward A in Lokoja LGA last week.