By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party in the 2024 Ondo State governorship election, Gbenga Edema, has resigned from the party.
Edema recently lost a case at the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure, challenging the validity of the primary that produced Aiyedatiwa as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
In a letter to the Chairman of the NNPP, Mahin Ward 11 Ilaje Local Government Area of the state, made available to our correspondent on Sunday, Edema said his decision was a result of the lingering internal crisis rocking the party.
The letter reads, “I wish to humbly inform you of my intention to resign my membership of the party forthwith.
“Since joining the party in June 2024, the party has been characterised by internal wranglings and rancour that have stunted the growth of the party; this is not healthy for any serious-minded party that intends to win elections, which is the major objective of all political parties. Furthermore, the activities of the leadership of the party negate the ethos of political parties, which is to form a government at various levels.
“Since my over 35 years in active political party participation, I have never seen a political party with a leadership so treacherous to the extent of frustrating its candidate by withdrawing a legitimate case in court in favour of an opposing party against its candidate. It is apparent that the objective of the party is radically different from the above-stated objectives of any serious-minded political party.
“From the foregoing, it is obvious that I am not on the same page with the leadership of the party as to what a party’s objectives and values should be.
“By this letter, therefore, I hereby cease to be a member of the New Nigeria People’s Party with effect from today, 9th May, 2025.