Gbogi Emmanuel, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, has officially resigned from the party, citing its abandonment of democratic principles such as fairness, equity, and impartiality. In his resignation letter dated September 23, 2024, which was addressed to the Chairman of Ward 6, Akoko South West Local Government, and obtained by SaharaReporters on Saturday, Emmanuel expressed profound disappointment in the party’s direction and practices.
Emmanuel’s resignation underscores his disillusionment with the APC’s handling of recent events, particularly the primary election that selected the party’s candidate for the upcoming November gubernatorial election. He criticized the process as deeply flawed and indicative of the party’s broader issues.
“I write to formally notify you and the leadership structure of the APC in Ondo State and Nigeria that I hereby tender my resignation letter from the party with immediate effect,” Emmanuel stated in his letter.
“This decision is a well-thought-out resolution, after wide and far-reaching consultations with my immediate family, friends, political associates, and particularly my political structure across Akoko land and beyond.
“My decision stems from the failure of the party to continue to uphold the true tenets and principles of democracy which include fairness, equity, impartiality, rewards for loyalty, and bringing dividends of democracy to the masses.
“Aside from the new practice of ‘rob Peter to pay Paul’ that is now the norm and standard, particularly in Ondo State APC, which was not only evident in the decision to rescind my earlier appointment as the pioneer Caretaker Chairman of the Akoko South-South LCDA, we all are witnesses to the shabby and shoddy primary election that produced the flag bearer of APC in the forthcoming November gubernatorial election in the state.
“More so, APC is now considered as a weapon of poverty and misery for the masses, evident in the economic hardship that plagues the land.
“I hold the firm belief that politics is not only about winning elections, it is about bringing succor and dividends of democracy to the people we represent.”
Earlier, Emmanuel had declined an appointment as Special Assistant to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, citing concerns over the legitimacy of the appointment and potential perceptions of it being a demotion.
Emmanuel’s resignation highlights the internal conflicts and dissatisfaction within the APC in Ondo State. The party has been grappling with 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 brokered by President Bola Tinubu.
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing political dynamics of Ondo State, shedding light on the broader implications for the APC and its future in the region.
