NNPP Governorship Candidate Edema Quits, Accuses Party of Betrayal
Governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the November 2024 Ondo election, Olugbenga Edema, has resigned from the party, accusing its leadership of betrayal and frustrating his efforts in court.
In a letter obtained by Peoples Gazette and dated May 9, 2025, Edema said his resignation from the party took immediate effect.
“I wish to humbly inform you of my intention to resign my membership of the party forthwith,” he wrote in the letter addressed to the chairman of the NNPP in Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje Local Government Area.
Edema’s decision followed the dismissal of his lawsuit challenging the nomination of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his running mate, Olayide Adelami, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates.
He had asked the court to interpret Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and to compel INEC to withdraw the APC nominations. But the court struck out the suit after the NNPP—joined in the matter as co-plaintiff—withdrew from the case without his consent.
Reacting to the party’s action, Edema wrote: “Since my over 35 years in active political party 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 against its candidate.”
He blamed his exit on unresolved internal wranglings that, according to him, had stifled the party’s development since he joined in 2024.
“It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above stated objectives of any serious-minded political party.
“From the foregoing, it is obvious that I am not on the same page with the leadership of the party as to what a party’s objectives and values should be.
“By this letter therefore, I hereby cease to be a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, May 9, 2025. No doubt, lessons have been learnt.”
Edema was among over 15 candidates who contested the November 2024 governorship poll in Ondo State, which was won by the incumbent, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Sodiq Yusuf is a trained media practitioner and journalist with considerable years of experience in print, broadcast, and digital journalism. His interests cover a wide range of causes in politics, governance, sports, community development, and good governance.
