Ondo NNPP Governorship Candidate Gbenga Edema Resigns from Party
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) candidate in the upcoming 2024 Ondo State governorship election, Gbenga Edema, has officially resigned from the party, citing internal conflicts and a lack of genuine political purpose.
In a resignation letter addressed to the NNPP Chairman of Mahin Ward 11 in Ilaje Local Government Area, Edema attributed his departure to persistent internal wrangling that, according to him, has undermined the party’s ability to function as a credible political platform.
“Since joining the party in June 2024, the party has been characterised by internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted the growth of the party,” Edema wrote. “This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections.”
He further alleged that the party leadership acted against his interest by withdrawing a court case in favour of a rival party, a move he described as “treacherous.”
“In my over 35 years in active political participation, I have never seen a political party with a leadership so treacherous to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party,” the letter continued.
Edema had earlier lost an appeal in the Court of Appeal in Akure, where he challenged the legality of the primary election that produced Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the APC flagbearer.
Effective May 9, 2025, Edema stated he no longer considers himself a member of the NNPP.