Andrew Emwanta, the former Commissioner for Communication and Orientation in Edo State, has officially stepped down from his position within the All Progressives Congress (APC) party. His decision to resign stems from his discontent with the flawed gubernatorial primaries held recently. During the primaries, there was a discrepancy in the declaration of winners, with three individuals claiming victory.
Governor Hope Uzodimma, serving as the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, announced Dennis Idahosa as the primary winner. However, Stanley Ugboaja, the returning officer, declared Monday Okpebholo as the victor. Additionally, Ojo Babatunde, purportedly representing the returning officers across local governments, declared Anamero Dekeri as the rightful winner.
Emwanta conveyed his resignation formally through a letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of Ward 7 in Egor Local Government Area. This letter, dated February 18, 2024, was made accessible to journalists, wherein he stated his effective resignation from the APC membership.
“I am writing to formally tender my resignation from the membership of the All Progressives Congress, effective from today, the 18th day of February 2024.
“My decision to resign from the party stems from its lack of internal democracy, flowing from the flawed process of the just concluded Edo governorship primaries. It has left me with no confidence in the party’s leadership structure and sense of political ethos.
“It is indeed a sad decision for me to take at this crucial time, particularly, because l joined the party a few months ago. But, it is an inevitable decision, since l still enjoy the inalienable right to freedom of association, (or dissociation), guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, as amended.
“I believe that my continued association with the APC would compromise my ability to support any decent candidate of my choice, as I would be compelled to unwittingly align with the party’s decisions, regardless of my convictions. To do otherwise will be termed “anti-party”. This was my grouse last year with my former party, the PDP.
“Moving forward, l wish to be an “Independent” political player, who can freely support any candidate in future elections, based on their qualifications, integrity, and alignment with my values and beliefs. I am confident that this decision is in the best interest of my life’s philosophy, social orientation and the political principles I hold very dear.
“Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from the APC. I would appreciate it if you could delete my name from your register at the ward, as l move on. Thank you for your understanding and anticipated action,” he added.
