The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart and former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, recently announced his exit from the party, a move that has caused controversy in the state's political circles, according to a report from the Punch.
In an interview on Tuesday, Sir Chidi Dike, the Imo State PDP Chairman, expressed his dissatisfaction at Ihedioha's departure. Ihedioha's choice was deemed unfortunate by Dike, who also emphasised the importance of Ihedioha's position as one of the party's founding founders and funders.
"It is regrettable that a leader of his calibre left the party," Dike said. Life is like a revolving fan; you are happy when it spins towards you and unhappy when it turns away." Dike stressed that the party's morale will not be affected by Ihedioha's departure in spite of this setback.
Ihedioha reflected over his resignation and gave a formal letter dated April 23, 2024, outlining his reasons. Citing a discrepancy between the party's current direction and his own beliefs, he voiced reservations about the PDP's incapacity to carry out internal changes and offer a potent challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
"The party is sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules, or offer credible opposition to the ruling All Progressives Congress," Ihedioha wrote in his resignation letter. I am forced to propose my resignation from the PDP with immediate effect in light of the aforementioned.
Although accepting Ihedioha's resignation, the Imo PDP Chairman voiced faith in the party's ability to bounce back. "Everyone has the right to make any decision at any time in life," he said. No issue as he has chosen to relocate, but rest assured that with his resignation, the party will welcome almost 2,000 new politicians as soon as possible."