Former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, resigned his membership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday.

Mr Ihedioha, also a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, announced this in a letter addressed to the party’s ward chairman at Mbutu in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

The ex-governor, who said he had contributed his quota to the party’s progress since 1998, cited its inability to carry out internal reforms as his reason for quitting.

“All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reforms and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power.

“I have had the benefit of serving and benefiting from the party at various levels.

“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has been on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs,” he said.

Mr Ihedioha added, ” In spite of my attempt to offer counsel, 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 (APC).

“It is in light of the foregoing that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the PDP, effective immediately.”

He said that although quitting the party was a difficult decision, he believed that it was the right thing to do.

“In spite of this resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance in Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Ihedioha, who served as the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, also served as Imo governor from May 29, 2019, to January 14, 2020.

His tenure as governor was cut short by a Supreme Court judgement in favour of Hope Uzodimma of the APC. 

(NAN)