By Myke Uzendu
The gale of defection hitting the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party may last for a while as one of its 2023 presidential aspirants, Dr. Cosmos Ndukwe, also tendered his resignation from the party.
In a letter by the former Deputy Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, to the Chairman of his Item C Ward in Bende Local Government Area, which was also copied to the State Chairman of the party, Hon. Asiforo Okere; and the Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, cited “personal reasons, current commitments and aspirations” for his decision to quit the PDP.
The former Chief of Staff to the Governor and Commissioner for Works under ex-Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, commended the party for giving him the platform to come to political limelight, and wished it success in the state.
The letter read, “I hope this letter finds you well. It is with a heavy heart that I compose this correspondence to tender my resignation as a member and stakeholder in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Abia State, effective immediately.
“My decision to resign as a member within the party stems from personal reasons and reflections on my current commitments and aspirations.
“After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that porting out of PDP is the best course of action for me at this time.
“I am immensely grateful for the opportunities that the PDP has afforded me during my tenure as a Councillor, Deputy Chairman Local Government, Chief of Staff to Executive Governor of Abia State, Deputy Speaker Abia 6th House of Assembly and Presidential Aspirant PDP 2023.
“Serving within the party has been a privilege, and I have valued the relationships I have built with fellow members, as well as the chance to contribute to the party’s objectives and ideals.
”I want to express my appreciation to you, the Ward Executive Committee, and all members of the PDP Abia State for the support and camaraderie extended to me throughout my association with the party.
“While I may be stepping away from my formal role, I remain committed to the principles of democracy and the progress of our great state Abia.
“Please consider this letter as my formal resignation from all duties and responsibilities associated with my position as a member and stakeholder in the PDP Abia State.
“I wish the PDP Abia State continued success in all its endeavors, and I extend my best wishes for the future. Thank you once again for the opportunities and experiences.”
The former Deputy Speaker also wrote the following in his official Facebook page @cosmos.ndukwe.1 stated:
“Good morning friends and well-wishers. In life, we all have the past. We all made choices that maybe, weren’t the best ones. None of us is completely a saint, but we all get a fresh start someday.
“Eccl 3:1-5 summary is on time for everything. To me, this is time to leave PDP family. I am potting out for good, new destination to be announced soon.
“My letter has started its journey to the ward chairman, LG chairman, State Chairman and Ag National chairman”.
The PDP has been hit by the wind of resignation following the exit of former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, and over 20 key members of the party in Imo State including a member of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), and zonal officers.
Although the supremacy tussle between former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike, is believed to be at the centre of crisis rocking the PDP, The Authority learnt that Ndukwe may be on his way to the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) to assist his kinsman, and the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
