Ex-minister, Orubebe, dumps PDP, says opposition unserious

A former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Godsday Orubebe, has dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Orubebe made this known via a letter dated June 20, 2022, and addressed to PDP National Chairman, Sen. lyorchia Ayu.

The former minister stated that he decided to dump the PDP after realising that the present situation in the party does not inspire confidence that the party is ready to regain power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 general election.

The letter read: “I write to formally inform you of my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP). This has been communicated to the Chairman of Burutu Ward 3, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, effective 20th June 2022.

“Consequently, I am by this letter intimating you of my total withdrawal from all activities at the Ward, Local, State and National levels of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

“I am highly honoured and privileged to have been part of a political party that successfully transformed a pariah nation to one that commanded respect in the comity of nations.

“When we lost the Presidential election in 2015 in bewildered (sic) circumstances to say the least, it was my belief that the party would use the opposition period to re-strategize with the aim of taking back power at the earliest opportunity.

“However, the present situation in the party does not inspire confidence that the party is ready to regain power in 2023.

READ ALSO: PDP: We didn’t dismiss reports on emergence of Wike as Atiku’s running mate

“Against the mood of the nation and in complete disregard to (sic) the provisions of the party’s constitution, the party, threw the zoning of the Presidency open, which created a situation that led to the emergence of a Northerner as the party’s Presidential flag bearer, thus making the two topmost positions in the party, after your emergence as the National Chairman, to be occupied by Northerners, contrary to section 7.3(c) of the party’s constitution.

“I salute and commend the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike for his efforts and gallantry at the primaries. Posterity will be kind to him when the history of the party is written. There are lots to be said, but out of respect for the party. I leave some stories untold at this time.

“My belief in the sanctity of Nigeria is unshaken and I will continually work for her progress and development, even if it is through another route.

“I thank you sir and wish you all the best,” Orubebe stated.

Orubebe served as a minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan

He made headlines on March 31, 2015, when he attempted to disrupt the proceedings of the 2015 presidential election collation.

Orubebe alleged that the then chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Attahiru Jega, had taken sides with the APC.

The former minister later apologised for his conduct.

The Star