Commends Wike on moves to save the party

Former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Godsday Orubebe, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after expressing frustration with the poor preparedness of the opposition party to dislodge the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

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He said the PDP had in the last convention violated the biding principles of rotational presidency and created lopsidedness in its leadership against the provisions in section 7.3(c) of the party’s constitution.

“Against the mood of the nation and in complete disregard to the provisions of the party’s constitution, the party, threw the zoning of the Presidency open, which created a situation that led to the emergence of a Northerner as the party’s Presidential flagbearer, thus making the two topmost positions in the party, after your emergence as the National Chairman, to be occupied by Northerners, contrary to section 7.3(c) of the party’s constitution.

It is not clear whether Mr Orubebe, a steadfast loyalist and political ally of former President Goodluck Jonathan, would also join the APC as did Jonathan who aspired in vain to return to power through the ruling party that pushed him out of office in 2015.

Mr Orubebe declared in a letter addressed to the party’s national chairman, Senator (Dr.) lyorchia Ayu, on Monday that his decision has also been formally communicated to the Chairman of Burutu Ward 3, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State.

The letter reads: “I am by this letter intimating you of my total withdrawal from all activities at the Ward, Local, State and National levels of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP),” Mr Orubebe stated.

He said that after the PDP had recovered the country from pariah status, it became a wonder that it lost the 2015 election under surprising circumstances and remained dazed since then.  

“I am highly honoured and privileged to have been part of a political party that successfully transformed a pariah nation to one that commanded respect in the comity of nations. When we lost the Presidential election in 2015 in bewildered circumstances to say the least, it was my belief that the party would use the opposition period to re-strategize with the aim of taking back power at the earliest opportunity,” he noted adding that the present situation in the party does not inspire confidence that the party is ready to regain power in 2023.

 “I salute and commend the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike for his efforts and gallantry at the primaries. Posterity will be kind to him when the history of the party is written. There are lots to be said, but out of respect for the party. I leave some stories untold at this time.

“My belief in the sanctity of Nigeria is unshaken and I will continually work for her progress and development, even if it is through another route.

“I thank you sir and wish you all the best,” the letter added.