Edema
Citing treachery, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in the November 16, 2024 Ondo State Governorship Election, Olugbenga Edema, has dumped the party.
In his resignation letter dated May 5, 2025 addressed to the party’s chairman in his Mahin Ward 11, in Ilaje Local Government Area, he accused the party of truncating his case against the election of the Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the appellate court.
He wrote, “I wish to humbly inform you of my intention to resign my membership of the party forthwith.
“Since joining the party in June, 2024, the party has been characterised with 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 negates 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 to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party against its candidate.
“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above stated objectives of any serious-minded political party.
“From the foregoing, it is obvious that I am not on the same page with the leadership of the party as to what a party’s objectives and values should be.
“By this letter therefore, I hereby cease to be a me nber of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, 09th May, 2025.
“No doubt, lessons have been learnt.”
He resignation followed the dismissal of a suit he filed challenging the outcome of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) primary that produced Aiyedatiwa as that party’s candidate.
Both the Federal High Court and the Court of Appeal in Akure had struck out the suit after the NNPP, a co-plaintiff in the suit, unexpectedly withdrew from the case.
The courts had ruled ruled that the withdrawal rendered the suit impotent, and ordered Edema to pay ₦1 million fine to each of the defendants.
He had asked the court to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the nomination and publication of Governor Aiyedatiwa, and his deputy, Olayide Adelami, as APC candidates, on constitutional grounds.
Edema, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had in June 2024 defected to the NNPP, after alleging irregularities in the primary that produced Aiyedatiwa as APC’s flag bearer.
