Olugbenga Edema, governorship candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in 2024 off-cycle election in Ondo, has resigned from the party.
Gatekeepers News reports that his resignation was conveyed in a letter addressed to the NNPP chairman in Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje LGA on Sunday.
Edema cited persistent internal crisis and what he described as a lack of credible leadership as the reasons for his departure.
According to Edema, since joining the party in June 2024, the NNPP has been plagued by divisions and conflict.
He said, “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 also criticised the party’s leadership, claiming their actions contradict the fundamental purpose of political organizations which is to form governments at various levels.
Edema further accused the party of betrayal, alleging that NNPP leadership in Ondo undermined his candidacy by withdrawing a court case that would have supported his legal challenge, instead siding with the opposition.
He said, “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.”
“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.”
