Olugbenga Edema, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) candidate in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, has resigned from the party, citing deep-seated internal conflict and a lack of political direction.
In a letter dated May 9, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Mahin Ward 11 in Ilaje Local Government Area, Edema expressed his decision to end his membership, describing the party as riddled with “internal wranglings and rancour” since he joined in June 2024.
“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,” he wrote.
Edema, who initially contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary before switching to NNPP, also accused the party of undermining his post-election legal challenge by pulling out of the case.
“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,” he lamented.
According to him, the NNPP’s conduct stands in stark contrast to the fundamental purpose of a political party.
“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above-stated objectives of any serious-minded political party,” he said.
“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.”
Concluding his letter, Edema declared: “By this letter, therefore, I hereby cease to be a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, May 9, 2025.”
