By Lateef Ibrahim
The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, (NNPP) in the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State, Olugbenga Edema, has quit the party over alleged betrayal by the party’s leadership.
Edema resigned from the party a few days after the Appeal Court, Akure Division, dismissed his suit after challenging the victory of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The suit was struck out by both the Federal High Court and the appellate court following the sudden withdrawal of NNPP from the case.
Edema had premised his suit on an interpretation of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) asking the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Aiyedatiwa’s nomination.
In a resignation letter addressed to the chairman of NNPP, Mahin Ward 11 Ilaje Local Council Area of Ondo State, the former gubernatorial candidate hinged his decision on the manner in which he was treated by the party in the course of the case.
Edema said, “Since joining the party in June, 2024, the party has been characterised by 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 negate 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 as to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party against its candidate.”
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