…His exit inconsequential ,says NNPP state chairman

•Party riddled with internal wranglings ,rancour,unhealthy for serious-minded people ,Edema fires back

By Sade Adewale

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The last may not have been heard about the internal wranglings within the Ondo State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), as the State chairman of the party, Mr. Peter Olagookun and the party’s former governorship candidate in the state, Mr. Olugbenga Edema, who recently announced his exit from the party, engaged in war of words.

Olagookun described the departure of Edema as unsurprising, stating that Edema had already been suspended prior to his exit.

In an interview with The Hope, Olagookun noted that Edema’s departure would foster greater unity and loyalty among party members.

He said: “Edema did not contribute any meaningful value to the party during his time with us, and his exit cannot destabilise the NNPP in any way.”

He further emphasised the party’s commitment to its leadership, adding, “We remain loyal to our national leaders and will continue to uphold that loyalty.”

Edema had recently announced his resignation from the party in a letter dated May 5, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of the party in Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje Local Government area.

Recall that Edema, a former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had in June 2024 defected to NNPP, alleging irregularities in the primary that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as APC’s flag bearer.

Edema’s letter of resignation read: “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 negate 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 member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, 9th May, 2025.

“No doubt, lessons have been learnt,” he added