Gbogi Emmanuel, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has resigned from the party, citing its failure to uphold the democratic principles of fairness, equity, and impartiality.
In his resignation letter dated September 23, 2024, addressed to the Chairman of Ward 6, Akoko South West Local Government, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, Emmanuel expressed his disillusionment with the party’s direction.
He condemned the APC for fostering poverty and misery among the populace, a situation that is starkly visible amid the ongoing economic hardship.
Emmanuel specifically pointed to the questionable nature of the primary election that chose the APC flag bearer for the upcoming gubernatorial election as a significant disappointment.
The letter stated, “I am formally notifying you and the leadership of the APC in Ondo State and across Nigeria of my immediate resignation from the party.
“This decision has been made after careful consideration and extensive consultations with my family, friends, political associates, and particularly my supporters throughout Akoko land and beyond.
“My choice reflects the party’s failure to uphold the core tenets of democracy, including fairness, equity, impartiality, rewards for loyalty, and delivering the benefits of democracy to the people.
“In addition to the troubling ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ mentality that has become the norm within Ondo State APC, evidenced by the reversal of my earlier appointment as the pioneer Caretaker Chairman of the Akoko South-South LCDA, we have all witnessed the substandard primary election that produced the APC’s candidate for the upcoming November gubernatorial race.
“Furthermore, the APC is now perceived as a weapon of poverty and misery for the masses, a reality underscored by the economic hardships afflicting the state.
“I firmly believe that politics is not merely about winning elections; it is about providing support and delivering the dividends of democracy to the people we serve.”
Earlier, Emmanuel had declined an appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the role and potential perceptions of it being a demotion.
Emmanuel’s resignation underscores the internal strife within the APC in Ondo State.
The party has encountered several challenges, including a recent political crisis involving Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was expected to submit an undated resignation letter as part of a reconciliation agreement mediated by President Bola Tinubu.
