TheCable

Two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) members in the senate have resigned their membership of the party.

The senators are Mathew Urhoghide, representing Edo south, and Ayo Akinyelure representing Ondo central.

Ovie Omo-Agege, deputy senate president, read letters of their resignation during plenary on Wednesday.

Urhoghide cited the crisis in the PDP as reason for dumping the party.

“My decision arose from the negative political energy emanating at the moment from the irreconcilable differences and squabbles within the PDP at the national level and especially in my dear state, Edo,” Urhoghide’s letter reads.

The Edo lawmaker said the “squabbles have spiked to levels” that have made it “impossible” for him who is a “confirmed democrat” to function and grow as envisioned in his political journey.

The lawmaker, however, thanked the PDP for giving him the opportunity to serve as senator for two terms.

“The experience afforded me the opportunity to meet and work with all you wonderful colleagues,” he said.

“The opportunity helped too to build and form important and lasting friendships here at the senate.

“Above all else, it imbued in me knowledge and experience what could not have been gotten anywhere else.”

In his letter, Akinyelure said his decision is significant because the 9th assembly is coming to an end.

He added that the resignation will enable him “settle down and look forward to other areas of human and professional endeavours” where he could be of value to the country.

The lawmakers have yet to announce the political parties they intend to join.