— Says Our Values No Longer Align

By Dayo Johnson, Akure

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate for the 2024 off-cycle election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, has resigned from the party.

Edema’s resignation comes just days after the Appeal Court dismissed his suit challenging the victory of the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami.

Recall that the Appeal Court, in a unanimous decision, upheld the judgment of the Federal High Court, which dismissed the suit filed by Edema. The suit challenged the validity of the primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

The court, presided over by Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, based its judgment on Edema’s refusal to comply with an earlier court order.

Through his lawyer, Mr. Abayomi Ojo, Edema sought the court’s intervention to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the nomination and publication of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as candidates.

He had asked the court to interpret the applicability of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) concerning the nomination of the APC candidates.

However, over the weekend, Edema sent his letter of resignation to the party chairman in Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje Council Area of the state, citing internal crises and a lack of credible leadership as reasons for his departure.

“Not Healthy for a Serious Party”

Edema, a former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), accused the party of betrayal and internal conflicts.

“Since joining the NNPP in June 2024, the party has been riddled with division and conflict. This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties,” he stated.

He added that the party’s leadership activities negate the ethics of political parties, which should aim to form a government at various levels.

“Treachery and Betrayal”

Edema further alleged that the NNPP leadership in Ondo deliberately frustrated his legal challenge by withdrawing a court case in favor 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 favor of an opposing party,” he lamented.

“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.”

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 APC flagbearer.

The NNPP leadership in Ondo State recently suspended Edema and his running mate, Rotimi Adeyemi, for alleged anti-party activities and violations of the party’s constitution.