The New Nigeria People’s Party governorship candidate for the 2024 Ondo State election, Olugbenga Edema, has resigned from the party, citing internal divisions and leadership failures.
His departure follows last week’s Appeal Court dismissal of his suit challenging Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s victory.
The Appeal Court, led by Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke, upheld a Federal High Court ruling that rejected Edema’s case against the All Progressives Congress primary election that produced Aiyedatiwa as candidate. The court based its decision on Edema’s failure to comply with an earlier court order.
Through his lawyer, Abayomi Ojo, Edema had sought to compel INEC to withdraw Aiyedatiwa and deputy Olayide Adelami’s candidacy, invoking Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution regarding nomination validity.
In his resignation letter to the NNPP chairman in Mahin Ward 11, Ilaje LGA, Edema—a former OSOPADEC chairman—blamed the party’s dysfunction for his exit:
“Since joining the NNPP in June 2024, the party has been riddled with division and conflict. This is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties.”
He accused NNPP leadership of unethical conduct: “The party’s leadership activities negate the ethics of political parties, which should aim to form a government at various levels.”
Edema alleged shocking betrayal, claiming Ondo NNPP leaders sabotaged his legal efforts:
“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 favor of an opposing party.”
Concluding his resignation, he stated: “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. No doubt, lessons have been learnt.”
Edema’s exit follows his recent suspension by Ondo NNPP alongside running mate Rotimi Adeyemi for alleged anti-party activities. The former APC aspirant, who defected to NNPP after losing the APC primary to Aiyedatiwa, remained silent about his next political move.
The development deals another blow to NNPP’s stability in Ondo, coming just months before the governorship election. Analysts suggest Edema’s resignation reflects deeper crises within Nigeria’s smaller opposition parties struggling to present credible alternatives.
