A presidential aspirant Peter Obi has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
His resignation is coming barely 72 hours to the PDP presidential primaries.
Obi, a former Anambra Governor, was until his resignation one of the 15 aspirants vying for the presidential ticket of the PDP.
The letter conveying his resignation from the party was submitted to the National Chairman of the PDP, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu.
Obi’s letter, dated May 24, 2022, also conveyed his withdrawal from the PDP presidential race.
The letter, which he personally signed, was on Wednesday delivered at the PDP Abuja national secretariat by his campaign coordinator, Dr. Doyin Okupe.
The letter stated: “I am writing to intimate you of my resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which was conveyed to the Chairman of Agulu Ward 2. Anaocha LGA Anambra, effective Friday 20 May, 2022.
“Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal for the PDP presidential primaries.
“It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.
“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs.
“I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of country”.
Okupe, who addressed journalists shortly after submitting the letter, however said Obi will be on the ballot in the 2023 presidential race.
There are speculations that the former Anambra Governor might have quietly joined the Labour Party (LP) where he is said to have been offered the party’s presidential ticket.
Okupe said: “You will recall that consistently, former Governor Peter Obi has repeatedly stated that he’s not desperate to be President, but he’s desperate to cause a change, to cause a redirection, to change the way the government of Nigeria is being run and it’s for this reason and to offer solution to the various problems of Nigeria
“It was for these reasons that he entered into the race. According to what he said in his letter, various developments in the PDP, make it virtually impossible for him to find full expression of his desire on the platform of the PDP.
“This is not to say that all hopes are lost. I can say on his behalf that Nigerians must not give up, we must never give up. Hope is on its way and help is coming.
“All options are on the table, by the grace of God Obi’s name will be on the ballot in 2023”.
