Orubebe, Jonathan’s Minister For Niger Delta, Quits PDP Over Atiku

By Ayodele Oni

The Presidential ticket of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) which was thrown open and eventually won by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar,  continues to generate ripples among members, especially those from the Southern Nigeria.

Former Minister for Niger Delta, under the Government of President Goodluck Jonathan, Godsday Orubebe, is aggrieved and,  on Monday, announced his resignation from the People’s Democratic Party.

Orubebe said in a letter to the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu, that his immediate resignation is due to the decision of the Party to throw the Presidential ticket open and eventually picking a northern candidate.

In the letter, the former Minister stated: “I write to formally inform you of my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

“This I have communicated to the Chairman of Burutu Ward 3, Burutu Local Government Area, Delta State, effective 20th June 2022.

“Consequently, I am by this letter intimating you of my total withdrawal from all activities at the Ward, Local, State and National levels of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP).

“I am highly honoured and privileged to have been part of a political party that successfully transformed a pariah nation to one that commanded respect in the comity of nations.

“When we lost the Presidential election in 2015 in bewildered circumstances to say the least, it was my belief that the party would use the opposition period to re-strategize with the aim of taking back power at the earliest opportunity.

“However, the present situation in the party does not inspire confidence that the party is ready to regain power in 2023.

“Against the mood of the nation and in complete disregard to the provisions of the party’s constitution, the party, threw the zoning of the Presidency open.

“This created a situation that led to the emergence of a Northerner as the party’s Presidential flagbearer, thus making the two topmost positions in the party, after your emergence as the National Chairman, to be occupied by Northerners, contrary to section 7.3(c) of the party’s constitution.

“I salute and commend the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Nyesom Wike for his efforts and gallantry at the primaries.

“Posterity will be kind to him when the history of the party is written. There are lots to be said, but out of respect for the party, I leave some stories untold at this time.

“My belief in the sanctity of Nigeria is unshaken and I will continually work for her progress and development, even if it is through another route. I thank you Sir and I wish you all the best”, he said in the letter.”

Recall that it was Orubebe who made a scene in 2015, and disrupted the declaration of the Presidential election results, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, when it became obvious that the incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan was losing the election.

That earned him a visa ban to the United States of America, USA.