…says party on way to ‘the morgue’

By Sade Adewale

The crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party in Ondo State has worsened, as the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr Kennedy Ikantu Peretei resigned on Wednesday, citing disillusionment with the party’s leadership and direction.

In a resignation letter dated April 9, 2025, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of Arogbo Ward 1, in Ese-Odo Local Government Area, Peretei declared, “I quit as the PDP in Ondo State leaves the Intensive-Care Unit for the morgue.”

The PDP chieftain lamented that the party’s current handlers lacked the will to win elections, alleging that they were only interested in advancing personal gains at the expense of collective political relevance.

He said: “I wish to inform you about my decision to quit the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as those who claim to be at the leadership of the party have no intention to win any elections, now or in the future. It is difficult to work with people whose interests are only themselves and how they can use the party to trade every election year.”

Peretei, who recounted his long-standing involvement with the party, said he served as State Financial Secretary between 1999 and 2003, and returned as State Publicity Secretary in 2020, a position he held until his resignation.

“I was privileged to serve as the State Financial Secretary of the PDP at its infancy (1999–2003) and served again as State Publicity Secretary, 2020 to date. I contributed my quota at every level,” he stated.

He expressed disappointment over the stranglehold of certain individuals on the party, accusing them of stifling its chances of electoral success.

“But the same people who have held the party hostage, making it impossible to win elections in the last three election cycles have tightened their grip on a party that laid prostrate at the Intensive Care Unit. The PDP in Ondo State is now on its way to the morgue,” he said.

Taking a swipe at some members of the party, Peretei warned those relying on political patronage for survival to seek alternative livelihoods.

“For those who depend on election funds and party patronage to run their families, I admonish them to seek second addresses, so that, they can live more meaningful lives than that of political bandits, Almajiris or just ‘Yes’ men,” he added.