In a surprising turn of events, Augustine Uchenna Stephen, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has publicly announced his resignation from the party. Stephen cited the party’s lack of organization as the primary reason for his departure, stating that the PDP ‘is not in order’.
In a formal resignation letter addressed to the state Party Chairman and his Ward Chairman in Ubakala Ward B, Umuahia South LGA, Stephen expressed his decision to leave after thorough consultations. Although he did not disclose his future political affiliation, his resignation underscores a growing trend of party switching among politicians in the region.
This development follows closely on the heels of former Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Ifeanyi Uchendu, who recently defected from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isiama Ward, Ohafia. Uchendu commended the performance of two APC Federal lawmakers, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, upon joining the opposition party.
In his resignation letter, Stephen emphasized, “I wish to formally resign my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, with effect from the date of this letter. This is for personal reasons, after wide consultations with friends and members of my family.” He expressed his dissatisfaction with the PDP’s current state and signaled approval of the present administration in Abia State.
While some members of the PDP in Umuahia South expressed surprise at Stephen’s departure, the Abia State chapter of the party maintains that it remains united and active. Dismissing rumors of internal strife, the Special Assistant on Media to Abia State Chairman of the PDP, Ugwumba Adiele, affirmed that the party’s strength extends beyond individual departures.
Addressing calls for the resignation of the State Party Chairman by a group known as Abia PDP Network, Adiele labeled the group as Faceless and reiterated the PDP’s commitment to serving as a formidable opposition party in Abia. Despite political turbulence, the party continues to operate effectively, with Adiele dismissing the sealing of the PDP State Secretariat as a mere political maneuver without substantive impact on the party’s operations.
