By Gibson Achonu
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, Sir Chidi Dike, has described as unfortunate the exit of a former governor of the state from the party.
Ihedioha, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a stalwart of the PDP in Imo State, dumped the party on Tuesday alongside his supporters.
Reacting to the development in an interview with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Imo PDP chairman said it was regrettable, noting that the rumour of Ihedioha’s planned exit had been rife before he made the official announcement on Tuesday.
Dike said, “It is unfortunate that a leader of his calibre resigned from the party, being one of the founding fathers and funders.
“Life is like a rotating fan; when it rotates to your side, you are happy and when it turns away, you are not happy.”
The Imo PDP Chairman, however, said the party would not allow Ihedioha’s exit to dampen its morale.
“Everyone has the right in life to make any decision at any time. Since he has decided to move, no problem, but I assure him that as he has resigned, more than 2,000 politicians will come into the party within the shortest possible time,” he said.
Ihedioha had on Tuesday formally resigned his membership of the opposition PDP.
In his resignation letter dated April 23, 2024, and addressed to the Chairman of the PDP Mbutu Ward, Aboh, in Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Ihedioha said, “Since 1998, I have contributed my quota to the development and transformation of PDP as one of the founding members. All these years, I have taken pride in the fact that the PDP is a party that will always look inward for internal reform and provide credible leadership for the people, whether in power or outside power. I have had the benefit of serving and benefitting from the party at various levels.
“Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite 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.
“It is in the light of the foregoing that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the PDP effective immediately. This decision was difficult to take. I, however, believe that it is the right one. Despite my resignation, I will always be available to offer my services towards the deepening of democracy and good governance of Nigeria.”
