Olugbenga Edema, the candidate representing the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the upcoming 2024 governorship election for Ondo State, has announced his resignation from the party. Edema previously participated in the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) but was unsuccessful.
Following this, he joined the NNPP in hopes of securing the party’s nomination. In a letter dated May 9, 2025, addressed to the chairman of his local ward, Mahin Ward 11, in the Ilaje Local Government Area, Edema cited internal conflicts and discord within the party as his reasons for resigning, which he claims have persisted since his membership began in June 2024. He expressed concerns that the party is unsuitable for any serious politician, particularly lamenting the party’s withdrawal from a legal case he had initiated against the APC candidate, which he felt left him vulnerable. Edema criticized the internal strife within the party, stating that it hinders its growth and undermines the fundamental goal of political parties to win elections.
He further remarked on the leadership’s actions as contrary to the principles of political parties, which should aim to govern at various levels. Drawing from his extensive experience of over 35 years in political engagement, he expressed disbelief at the leadership’s betrayal, particularly in relation to the legal case against an opposing candidate. He concluded that his values and objectives are fundamentally misaligned with those of the party’s leadership.
Through this correspondence, I formally resign from my membership in the New Nigeria People’s Party effective today, May 9, 2025. The Court of Appeal, located in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has recently dismissed the lawsuit initiated by Edema, which sought to disqualify the APC candidate, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, along with his deputy, Olayide Adelami, from participating in the election scheduled for November 16, 2024.
