Ex-Imo Assembly Speaker Explains Mass Resignation From PDP Over Undemocratic-Practices

Interview with Lawman Duruji

You and some members of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State recently resigned from the party. What informed your action?….CONTINUE READING

Indeed, I recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party, which I helped build into an institution. My resignation stemmed from recent developments within the party that contradicted my beliefs and principles as a democrat. I could no longer align myself with undemocratic elements, particularly at the national level and within the state leadership.

What were the undemocratic issues that forced you to resign?

Unresolved intra-party crises led to the suspension of the Imo State PDP chairman and other stakeholders. Additionally, the party’s national secretary demonstrated ineptitude by imposing his authority over state and local structures. Despite being given the party ticket for the last governorship election, he failed to deliver his local government and later engaged in witch-hunting loyal party members.

The national caucus had previously agreed that he should resign to allow a new national secretary from the region, a decision supported by the zonal caucus and the Enugu State Governor. However, the national leadership chose to follow a court order that aligned with their interests. I couldn’t remain in a party failing to fulfill its role as an effective opposition defending our democracy.

You mentioned the suspension of the state chairman of the party. Is this part of your reasons for resigning?

My resignation is personal and not directly related to the suspension of the state chairman. It’s about the abandonment of the democratic principles the party was built on.

Some say the mass resignation is linked to the interests of former deputy speaker Emeka Ihedioha, who also left the party. Is this true?

Our resignation is not solely based on Ihedioha’s interests, although he is my leader. It’s about the broader interest of recovering the state, which I support. Many of us, including myself, have experienced unfair treatment by the PDP, yet we stayed to build the party.

During the last congresses, the delegate list for my local government was compromised, disenfranchising our people and leading to the party’s poor performance in the governorship election. The APC didn’t rig the election; the PDP simply failed to present a viable candidate.

Why did the mass resignation occur after the last National Executive Council meeting of the PDP?

The timing of our resignation was due to our hope that the NEC would address our concerns. When it became clear that the party was not interested in resolving these issues, we had no choice but to leave. It was a difficult decision, but necessary to align with other democratic parties to pursue our aspirations for the state and nation.

What did you expect the NEC to do at the last meeting?

We expected the NEC to revamp the party leadership, addressing the compromised national leadership and the issues raised by state chapters. Instead, the party has become an appendage to the APC, failing to act on the concerns we raised.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr