Paragraph 1: Resignation and Context
Gbenga Edema, the erstwhile governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ondo State, has officially tendered his resignation from the party. This decision follows a recent legal setback at the Court of Appeal in Akure, where Edema’s challenge to the validity of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary, which produced its own governorship candidate, Aiyedatiwa, was dismissed. Edema’s resignation, communicated through a letter dated May 9, 2025, addressed to the NNPP Chairman in his ward, cites irreconcilable differences with the party’s leadership and deep-seated internal conflicts as the primary reasons for his departure.
Paragraph 2: Internal Strife and Party Objectives
Edema’s resignation letter paints a picture of a party embroiled in internal wrangling and discord, factors he believes have significantly hampered the NNPP’s growth and electoral prospects. He expresses his disillusionment with the party’s trajectory, stating that the ongoing conflicts are detrimental to any political organization with serious aspirations of winning elections. He contrasts the current state of affairs with the fundamental purpose of political parties – to form governments at various levels – and argues that the NNPP’s leadership has deviated from this core objective.
Paragraph 3: Allegations of Treachery and Conflicting Values
Edema levels serious accusations against the NNPP leadership, accusing them of treachery and actions that undermine the party’s own candidates. He specifically alleges that the leadership withdrew a legitimate court case, seemingly favoring an opposing party against its own candidate. This act, he argues, demonstrates a fundamental misalignment of values and objectives within the party. Edema contrasts his own political experience, spanning over 35 years, with the NNPP’s current leadership, highlighting what he perceives as a stark difference in understanding the purpose and ethics of political engagement.
Paragraph 4: Irreconcilable Differences and Departure
Edema concludes his resignation letter by emphasizing the irreconcilable differences between his own political principles and those of the NNPP leadership. He reiterates his belief that the party’s leadership is not focused on the core values and objectives that should drive a political organization striving to win elections and form governments. His resignation, therefore, marks a definitive break from a party he sees as having strayed from its intended path.
Paragraph 5: Implications for NNPP and Ondo State Politics
Edema’s resignation has significant implications for both the NNPP and the broader political landscape in Ondo State. The loss of a governorship candidate, particularly one who contested the legitimacy of the ruling party’s primary, creates a vacuum for the NNPP and raises questions about its future electoral strategy. The resignation also potentially impacts the dynamics of the governorship race, although the extent of that impact remains to be seen. Edema’s allegations of internal strife within the NNPP could further damage the party’s image and credibility.
Paragraph 6: Future Political Trajectory and Legal Aftermath
Edema’s next political move remains uncertain. Whether he will join another party or remain independent is yet to be disclosed. The fallout from his resignation, including the potential for further legal challenges or internal party restructuring within the NNPP, could significantly shape the political landscape leading up to the Ondo State governorship election. The allegations he has made against the NNPP leadership may also prompt further investigation or scrutiny of the party’s internal workings.
