The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State received a devastating blow following the dumping of the party by a three-time member and former Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Omon Ezomon.
He represented Owan West Constituency between 1999 and 2007.
Ezomon’s action comes ahead of the “crucial” September 21 governorship election, which Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has described as a “do or die” affair.
The internal crisis in the PDP, Ezomon disclosed, is the reason for dumping the party.
According to reports, his exit from the party is expected to weaken the party’s already sliding grip in the area that the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku, claims to control.
The announcement of his exit from the party was contained in a letter dated 16th September 2024 as addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 5, Avbiosi, Iuleha, Owan West LGA.
The former deputy speaker, who said his resignation is with immediate effect, revealed that he took the action after “considerable reflection” and consultations over the alienation he has faced from the decision-making process at the ward, local government, and state levels of the party.
He noted he had been deliberately sidelined by the party’s leadership, which has continued to ignore his immense contribution to the growth and development of the party.
He lamented that despite his status as a foundation member and two-term elected representative, “neophytes” now control the party at the local level.
He said he is pained by such disrespect shown to his political legacy, including rising to have become Deputy Speaker of the state assembly during his tenure.
He expressed concerns over the ongoing internal strife that has embroiled the party. He argued that the unresolved conflicts and infighting had weakened the party ahead of the Saturday, September 21st, Guber polls.
He also faulted the leadership of the party to foster unity and cohesion which he believes could have dire consequences for the PDP’s future electoral prospects.
“I am deeply saddened by the glaring disunity and lack of leadership that have foisted division within the ranks of the party. For my own peace of mind and mental health, I have made the painful decision to leave,” Ezomon stated in the letter.
He, however, expressed appreciation for the opportunities the PDP had provided for him, wishing the party’s leadership in Ward 5 well in their future endeavours.
Ezomon’s dumping of the PDP, reports say, has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of the state
Though his next political realignment is yet unknown, there are speculations by analysts that the former deputy speaker might pitch his tent with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.