.By Seyi Babalola
A political earthquake has struck the Akoko Edo People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as 14 Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) and Special Assistants (SAs) to Governor Obaseki, along with 33 prominent party leaders, have resigned from their positions and party membership. They have pledged their support for Senator Monday Okpebholo.
In their resignation letters of resignation addressed to the Secretary to the Edo State Government and ward chairmen, the appointees expressed gratitude to the governor for their appointments but stated it would not be morally justified to continue serving under the government after deciding to leave the PDP.
Among the SSAs resigning are Mr. Abdullahi Jimoh, the coordinating SSA for Akoko Edo Constituency One and a former Special Adviser to the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly; Mrs. Victoria Balogun, SSA in charge of gender in Akoko Edo and coordinator of Women on the Move in Akoko Edo; Mrs. Elizabeth O. Modupe, Chief Omolaye Samuel, SA for youth mobilization; Mr. Muyideen Ibrahim, SA for religious affairs; Pastor Rufus Ogbewi Erasmus; SA for religious affairs, Miss Sandra Igbinovia; and Mr. Abdul Rasak Daddy, among others.
Additionally, 33 other prominent PDP leaders across the local government have resigned their party membership.
These include Mr. Steven Daudu (a.k.a. Obamu), former SSA to the governor on political affairs; Hon. Afolabi Daudu, immediate past Special Adviser to the Akoko Edo Local Government Council; Chief Obiza, former chairman of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Akoko Edo branch; and Architect Fashanu Emanuel, a major party financier.
Others are Mr. Agbo Emanuel, a well-known social media activist and DJ; Mr. Jacob Agbebakun, Ward 7 Financial Secretary; Mrs. Agbaje Elizabeth, former SA in charge of Ward 7; Miss Phebian Balogun, female youth mobilizer; Hon. Nichols Ajobiewe; Mrs. Toyin Ajakaye Akao, Women on the Move mobilizer; Chief Aliu Enamedu, a businessman and philanthropist (a.k.a. Omego).
They also include Mr. Abodah George (a.k.a. Blacky Gee) comedian and youth mobilizer; Mr. Andrew Ojo (a.k.a. Ominimini) manager at freedom group of company, Ward One youth mobilizer; six unit heads and mobilizers from Ward 6 led by Mr. Ibrahim Ganiu; and other youth and women leaders across the local government.
Spokesperson for the group, Hon. Joe Adeleye, from Ward 10 Ososo and former Secretary to Akoko Edo Local Government Council, warned that the PDP will be completely dead in Akoko Edo in the coming weeks.
He mentioned this is just the first wave of resignations, with more high-profile government appointees, influential individuals, members of the PDP campaign council, mobilizers, and proven election winners expected to follow. Adeleye criticized the PDP’s leadership for its poor judgement and lack of consultation, which he believes has led to the party’s current crisis.
He concluded that the real test will come on September 21, hinting at significant changes ahead.
