As the September 21 governorship election in Edo State draws near, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion, a former federal lawmaker who represented Ovia Federal Constituency, has announced her resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This move comes amid ongoing tensions and dissatisfaction within the party.
According to reports, Omosede, who is the daughter of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, formally submitted her resignation letter on August 11, 2024. The letter was addressed to Mr. Lucky Edosomwan, the PDP Chairman in Okada West Ward 1, located in Ovia North East Local Government Area. Copies were also sent to other important figures in the party, including the PDP chairmen for Ovia North-East Local Government, Edo State, the Acting National Chairman, as well as both the State and National Working Committees.
Omosede Igbinedion’s resignation is significant as she was previously a prominent figure within the PDP. She served in the National Assembly from 2015 to 2019, representing the Ovia Federal Constituency. During her tenure, she was known for her active involvement in legislative affairs and her advocacy on various issues affecting her constituency. Her decision to leave the PDP highlights the growing internal conflicts within the party, particularly around the conduct of recent party elections.
In her resignation letter, Omosede expressed strong dissatisfaction with the party’s handling of internal processes. She specifically criticized the lack of equity, fairness, and justice within the party, pointing out the marginalization of long-standing members who had dedicated significant efforts to the party’s development.
“I am resigning from the PDP due to the lack of fairness and justice within the party, and the marginalization of dedicated members.
Despite raising these issues with both state and national party leaders, I no longer feel committed to a party that no longer aligns with my values,” she wrote.
Omosede also raised concerns about the party’s direction and the representation of indigenous members in the upcoming gubernatorial election. “There is no indigenous PDP candidate for governor or deputy governor in the upcoming election, which makes me question the party’s priorities. My commitment to the people of Ovia, who have always supported me, is my top priority. It is with this in mind that I resign from the PDP,” she added.
Reports indicate that Omosede Igbinedion plans to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Her defection will likely be marked at the Edo South Senatorial governorship campaign rally scheduled for August 13 at the Ekehuan campus of the University of Benin (UNIBEN). This shift in allegiance could impact the political dynamics in Edo State and influence the strategies of both the PDP and APC as they prepare for the upcoming election.
