A prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Gbogi Emmanuel, has officially resigned from the ruling party.
Emmanuel, a respected party stalwart, submitted his resignation on Saturday, expressing disappointment with the party’s direction under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
In his resignation letter, Mr. Emmanuel stated that the APC had become a “weapon of poverty,” blaming the party for the growing economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
He explained, “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.”
Mr. Emmanuel emphasized that politics should go beyond merely winning elections, but rather, should focus on delivering democratic benefits to the people.
“I hold the firm belief that politics is not only about winning elections, it is about bringing succour and dividends of democracy to the people we represent,” he wrote.
The resignation letter, addressed to the APC Chairman of Ward 6, Akoko South West Local Government, outlined further grievances.
Mr. Emmanuel accused the party of failing to uphold the core principles of democracy, such as fairness, equity, and loyalty. He lamented the party’s disregard for these values, stating, “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.”
One of the key points of contention for Mr. Emmanuel was the internal politics surrounding the party’s recent primary election.
He described the process that produced the incumbent governor and APC governorship candidate, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as “shabby and shoddy,” further criticizing what he called the party’s new practice of “rob Peter to pay Paul.”
Mr. Emmanuel revealed that his decision to leave the party was made after wide consultations with his family and political associates in Akoko land, ensuring it was well thought-out and thoroughly discussed.
Efforts to reach Ade Adetimehin, the APC Chairman in Ondo State, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful. A text message sent to his official number remained unanswered at the time of this report.
Mr. Emmanuel’s departure from the APC follows a recent statement by Lagos APC chieftain, Joe Igbokwe, who criticized the economic conditions in the country, highlighting the sharp increase in the prices of staple foods such as rice.
Igbokwe, a strong ally of President Tinubu, expressed his concern over the rising cost of living in a social media post, drawing attention to the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
