Peter Obi resigns from PDP amid indications that he will not get party's presidential ticket

FORMER Anambra State governor Peter Obi has resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) just three days ahead of the party's primary elections in which he was a leading contender for its presidential ticket.

In Mat 28 and 29, the PDP convention us due to elect its presidential candidate but it appears that Governor Obi does not believe he can win. Nigeria's 2022 Electoral Act bars candidates who lose in primaries from standing on the platforms of other parties, meaning that Governor Obi had to leave now to stand as another party's candidate.

In a letter addressed to the PDP's national chairman, Senator Iyorchia Ayu dated May 24, tagged Resignation From Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Withdrawal From the Presidential Contest, Governor Obi said he has been conveyed his decision to the chairman of his Agulu Ward since Friday May 20.

His letter read: “Consequently, I am by this letter informing you of my withdrawal for the PDP presidential primaries. It has been a great honour to contribute to nation-building efforts through our party. Unfortunately, recent developments within our party make it practically impossible to continue participating and making such constructive contributions.

“Our national challenges are deep-seated and require that we each make profound sacrifices towards rescuing our country. My commitment to rescuing Nigeria remains firm, even if the route differs.

“I wish to thank you personally for your graciousness and leadership. I wish you well and best of luck in the service of the country”.

A former aide to ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, who is the director-general of Peter Obi Campaign Organisation, Dr Doyin Okupe, added: “You recall that consistently, former governor Peter Obi has repeatedly stated that he is not desperate to be president but he is desperate to cause a change, to cause a redirection to change the way the government of Nigeria is run.

“He wants to offer solutions to various problems of Nigeria and it is for these reasons he entered into the race. However, the various developments within the PDP makes it virtually impossible for him.

“This is not to say that all hopes are lost. I can say on his behalf that Nigerians must not give up, we must never give up. Hope is on its way and help is coming.

“All options are on the table. By the grace of Almighty God, Peter Obi will be on the ballot for the 2023 presidency.”