Olugbenga Edema, governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the 2024 off-cycle election in Ondo, has resigned from the party.
His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to the NNPP chairman in Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje LGA on Sunday.
Edema said internal crises and a lack of credible leadership in the party had frustrated his continued membership.
He added that since joining the NNPP in June 2024, the party had been riddled with division and conflict.
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“This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties,” he said.
“Furthermore, the activities of the leadership of the party negates the ethics of political parties; which is to form Government at various levels.
Edema, a former chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), also accused the party of betrayal.
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He alleged that the NNPP leadership in Ondo frustrated his legal challenge by withdrawing a case in court in favour of the opposition.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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Edema did not disclose his next political move.
He had previously contested the APC governorship ticket before joining the NNPP following the emergence of Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the party’s flagbearer.
On March 3, the Ondo NNPP suspended Edema and Rotimi Adeyemi, his running mate, for alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.
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