Kennedy Peretei, the erstwhile Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, has formally resigned from the party, citing deep-seated issues that he believes have rendered the party electorally moribund. His resignation, conveyed in a strongly worded letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Arogbo Ward 1 in Ese Odo Local Government Area, paints a bleak picture of a party gripped by self-serving individuals whose actions have consistently sabotaged the PDP’s chances at the polls. Peretei’s departure underscores the internal struggles and strategic failures that have plagued the Ondo State chapter of the PDP, raising questions about its future viability and competitiveness in the state’s political landscape.
Peretei’s resignation letter, titled “I quit as the PDP in Ondo State leaves the intensive-care unit for the morgue,” pulls no punches in its assessment of the party’s leadership. He accuses those in charge of prioritizing personal gain over electoral victory, essentially using the party as a vehicle for political bartering during election seasons. This alleged transactional approach to politics, according to Peretei, has severely hampered the PDP’s ability to connect with voters and build a winning coalition. He argues that this self-serving leadership has effectively driven the party to the brink of collapse, transitioning from a state of critical condition to imminent demise.
Peretei’s critique carries weight given his extensive history with the party. He served as the State Financial Secretary during the PDP’s formative years from 1999 to 2003 and, more recently, as the State Publicity Secretary from 2020 until his resignation. This lengthy involvement provides him with an insider’s perspective on the party’s trajectory and the internal dynamics that have shaped its fortunes. His claim of having “contributed his quota at every level” suggests a deep sense of disillusionment, stemming from the perceived unwillingness of the party leadership to address the fundamental flaws that he believes are hindering its progress.
The core of Peretei’s argument revolves around the accusation that the same individuals who have held the party captive for years are responsible for its electoral failures in the last three election cycles. He asserts that these individuals have further consolidated their control, tightening their grip on a party already struggling for survival. This points to a potential power struggle within the Ondo State PDP, where entrenched interests may be resistant to change or reform, even if it means jeopardizing the party’s electoral prospects. Peretei’s resignation can be interpreted as a protest against this status quo, a refusal to remain complicit in what he sees as the party’s self-destruction.
Peretei’s parting shot is aimed at those within the party who rely on election funds and patronage for their livelihood. He admonishes them to seek alternative means of sustenance, implying that their dependence on the party’s resources has fostered a culture of political opportunism and sycophancy. By labeling them “political bandits, Almajaris, or just ‘Yes men’,” Peretei criticizes their lack of genuine commitment to the party’s ideals and their willingness to prioritize personal gain over the collective good. This indictment further underscores his frustration with the internal dynamics of the PDP and the individuals he believes are responsible for its decline.
In the aftermath of his resignation, Peretei has remained silent on his future political plans. Whether he intends to join another party, remain independent, or retire from politics altogether remains unknown. However, his departure undoubtedly leaves a void within the Ondo State PDP, particularly in terms of its public communications and outreach. His resignation also serves as a public airing of grievances, potentially sparking further internal debate and reflection within the party. The future of the Ondo State PDP hinges on its ability to address the issues raised by Peretei and other dissenting voices, and to chart a new course that prioritizes electoral success and genuine service to the people. Only time will tell whether the party can overcome these internal challenges and regain its competitiveness in the state’s political arena.
