A former presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Enugu State, Dr SKC Ogbonnia, has officially resigned from the party, citing dissatisfaction with the current administration and the state of affairs in Nigeria.
In a resignation letter addressed to the APC chairman of his ward, Owelli/Amoli/Ugbo/Ogugu Ward in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Ogbonnia expressed disappointment in President Bola Tinubu’s government.
He accused the administration of running a failed government that had led to foreign military intervention in the country.
The letter, dated Tuesday, was copied to all levels of the APC, from the ward to the national chairman and secretary, and was accompanied by Ogbonnia’s APC membership card, which he returned for any necessary action.
Ogbonnia explained that his decision to resign was the result of “extensive consultation” with his family and political allies, as well as deep reflection on the current political realities both within the party and the country.
He cited that the direction of the party and the unfolding national situation made it “untenable and unbearable” for him to continue as a member.
Ogbonnia wrote, “Specifically, the leadership of the party under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has failed to address critical issues like insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, which directly impact the future of our people and the teeming youths.
“Lack of internal party democracy: The pervasive undemocratic practices, imposition of leaders, marginalisation of loyal members, vendetta politics, and acute nepotism have combined to abuse electoral rights and stifle internal participation and growth.
“One-party state: The party has aggressively pursued a one-party state by deploying underhanded practices to stifle the opposition.
“Lack of youth inclusion: The significant absence of youth in key federal appointments, signalling a disregard for the future generation.
“Foreign military intervention: Tinubu’s inhumane leadership, where he had remained nonchalant to severe security challenges ravaging the country, has compromised national sovereignty and made Nigeria vulnerable to neocolonial foreign military interventions.
“Endorsement of a failed president for a second term: The plot to re-nominate Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the presidential candidate of the APC for the 2027 polls is a gross insult to the sensibilities of Nigerians. This is a president who has not only failed in most critical areas of national development, but he is also irredeemable.”
He further alleged that President Tinubu has lost his voice with the Nigerian people and is treated as a political leper among our key allies, particularly the United States of America.
“These issues, among many others, have convinced me that the APC, in its current state, does not serve the best interest of my community or Nigeria as a whole. Thus, I can no longer align or be associated with a political path that seems to undermine the very principles of true democracy and good governance that Nigerians deserve.
“I thank the party leadership from the ward to the national level for the opportunity and the various levels of support when I sought the presidency under the APC during the 2019 electoral cycle. I wish them well in their future endeavours,” Ogbonnia said.