By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City
The hurricane of defection has once again rocked the Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as two more ranking leaders have resigned their membership of the party, ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
The latest leaders of the PDP to resign from the party are Dr. Aisosa Amadasun and Pastor Kenneth Asekomhe, two political allies of the State former Deputy Governor, Hon Philip Shaibu.
They announced their resignations in a separate letters addressed to the Chairmen of the PDP in their respective Wards.
For Dr. Amadasun, in a letter addressed to the PDP Chairman, Oredo Ward 11, she cited recent unacceptable developments within the party, particularly stemming from the gubernatorial primaries, as the reason for her departure.
Amadasun was one of the vocal leaders of the PDP in Edo State, and had been critical of the party’s handling of internal issues, including the conduct of the last Ward Congresses and Primary Election for the 2024 governorship election.
She is also a former Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who left her position in the party and decamped to the PDP alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki during the Edo 2020 Governorship election.
On his part, Pastor Asekomhe, in a letter dated May 15th, addressed to the PDP Chairman, Etsako-West Ward 12, announcing his resignation, cited the PDP’s loss of focus and Governor Godwin Obaseki’s alleged high-handedness as reasons.
Asekomhe, a former Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, who defected to the PDP alongside Governor Obaseki during the 2020 governorship election, alleged that the PDP has been reduced to the whims and caprices of the Governor.
He specifically mentioned the controversial impeachment of the State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, his political ally, as a major factor in his decision.
Asekomhe expressed disappointment and disillusionment with the PDP’s direction, wondering if this was the same party he had joined forces with in 2020 to help Governor Obaseki win the election.
The resignation of both PDP leaders come as a surprise to many, and the development is seen as a significant blow to the Edo PDP as the duo were prominent figures in the party. It is believed that their resignation may have implications for the PDP’s unity and fortunes in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
