Sam Philip
Olugbenga Edema, the candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party(NNPP) in the 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, has resigned his membership from the party.
In a letter addressed to the chairman of the party in his Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, Edema notified the party about his decision to leave the party.
The letter dated May 9, 2025, revealed that Edema resigned his membership due to what he described as internal wrangling and rancour that had characterized the party since he joined in June, 2024.
He noted that the crisis had undermined the growth of the party making it unsuitable for any serious-minded person aiming to win election.
Edema said the leadership of the party frustrated his case in court against the candidate of All Progressives Congress(APC) by withdrawing from the suit, leaving the candidate naked.
He noted that having realized that his objective is at variance with that of the leadership of NNPP, he decided to move forward by dumping the party.
The letter personally signed Edema reads in parts: “I wish to humbly inform you of my intention to resign my membership of the party forthwith.
“Since joining the party in June, 2024, the party has been characterised with internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted the growth of the party; 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 ethos of political parties; which is to form Government at various levels.
“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.
“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above stated objectives of any serious-minded political party.
“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, 09th May, 2025.”