A former Edo State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Andrew Emwanta, has resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) citing concerns over the flawed governorship primaries that recently took place.
The primary election held on Saturday resulted in the announcement of three different winners, leading to controversy and disagreement. The Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Governor Hope Uzodimma, declared Dennis Idahosa as the winner, while the returning officer, Stanley Ugboaja, announced Monday Okpebholo as the winner. Additionally, Ojo Babatunde, representing the returning officers in all the local government areas, declared Anamero Dekeri as the winner of the election.
In his resignation letter addressed to the Ward Chairman of Ward 7, Egor Local Government Area, Emwanta expressed his disillusionment with the lack of internal democracy within the party. He stated, “My decision to resign from the party stems from its lack of internal democracy, flowing from the flawed process of the just concluded Edo governorship primaries. It has left me with no confidence in the party’s leadership structure and sense of political ethos.”
Emwanta further emphasized his belief in the right to freedom of association and articulated his desire to be an independent political player, free to support candidates based on their qualifications, integrity, and alignment with his values and beliefs.
Ending his letter, Emwanta requested the removal of his name from the party’s register at the ward, signaling his departure and transition to becoming an independent political actor.