A Nigerian federal lawmaker, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, has announced his resignation from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing prolonged internal conflicts and a fractured leadership structure. The Senator representing Osun Central disclosed his decision in a letter dated June 12, 2024, addressed to the PDP chairman of Ward 3 in Oke-Ejigbo, Ila-Orangun, and shared publicly in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, on Saturday.
Fadeyi attributed his exit to “irreconcilable differences” and deepening divisions within the party, emphasizing that prolonged legal disputes and competing factions had eroded its cohesion. “Irreparable divisions, coupled with court cases and counter court cases over the past three years, have splintered the party at the national level,” he wrote. The lawmaker added that his decision followed consultations with political allies, family, and close associates.
His resignation aligns with a broader trend of defections within the PDP. Earlier, Senator Francis Fadahunsi, representing Osun East, similarly stepped down from the party, signaling growing disillusionment among its members. The PDP, one of Nigeria’s two major political parties, has faced persistent internal strife since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, marked by leadership disputes and regional power struggles.
Fadeyi’s exit raises questions about the party’s stability ahead of future elections, particularly in Osun, a state where the PDP and ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have fiercely contested governance. Analysts suggest the resignations could weaken the party’s influence in the region, though local supporters have downplayed the impact, asserting the PDP retains grassroots support.
The PDP has not yet issued an official response. However, political observers note that the departures underscore challenges in resolving ideological and strategic rifts within Nigeria’s opposition ranks. As legal battles and factional disputes persist, the party’s ability to regroup and present a united front ahead of 2027 elections remains uncertain.
