In a dramatic political move, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, the daughter of former Delta State governor James Ibori, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The lawmaker, who represents Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, made the announcement in a letter dated December 5, 2024.
Ibori-Suenu’s resignation letter was addressed to the PDP Local Government Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Area.
In her resignation letter, Ibori-Suenu explained that her decision to leave the party was due to the ongoing crisis within the PDP, which had left her excluded from party activities at the state level.
“I formally resign as a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” the letter began, signaling her clear break from the party.
The lawmaker also returned her PDP membership card, with number 0777144, as a gesture of her complete disassociation from the party.
Ibori-Suenu highlighted the reasons behind her resignation, emphasizing the exclusion she faced from the state chapter and the ongoing national leadership crisis that has divided the party into warring factions.
“My resignation was foisted on me by my complete exclusion by the State chapter of the party and by the lingering national leadership crisis which has riven the party into implacable camps,” she wrote.
The resignation comes as no surprise to political observers in Delta State, who have been closely watching the state’s political dynamics. The PDP in the state has faced internal divisions, with factions battling for control and influence, especially after the tenure of James Ibori, a key figure in the party’s history.
For years, the PDP has been rocked by infighting at both the state and national levels. These divisions have had a profound impact on the party’s unity and effectiveness, leading to the exit of several prominent members, including Ibori-Suenu.
In her resignation letter, Ibori-Suenu made it clear that she could no longer continue to support a party so deeply divided and unable to provide a cohesive direction.
“By this notice, I formally dissociate myself from a party that has failed to resolve its internal issues and provide the necessary leadership for its members,” she stated.
This development marks a significant shift in Delta’s political landscape, as Ibori-Suenu has long been seen as a prominent member of the PDP. Her departure raises questions about the future of the party in the state, especially as the 2025 elections draw closer.
Her father, James Ibori, remains a significant political figure in Delta, though his influence has been challenged in recent years by shifting political alliances and the changing dynamics within the PDP.
The resignation of Ibori-Suenu could signal further fractures within the PDP in Delta, as other members may follow suit and seek alternative political platforms.
In response to her resignation, political analysts have suggested that Ibori-Suenu’s exit may pave the way for her to explore other political options, including potential alignment with other political parties.
“I have made this decision after much reflection, and I believe it is time to move forward and pursue a path that aligns with my values and vision for Delta State,” she said in her letter.
The PDP, already grappling with internal conflicts, now faces the loss of one of its more well-known representatives in the House of Representatives.
Her resignation, particularly given her father’s legacy in the state’s politics, is seen as a blow to the party, which has been struggling to maintain a united front in recent years.
In her letter, Ibori-Suenu also made it clear that her departure is not just a personal decision but one that reflects the larger issues facing the party.
“I have become increasingly disillusioned with the leadership of the party, which has failed to address the concerns of its members and has allowed divisions to fester,” she added.
The PDP has yet to respond officially to Ibori-Suenu’s resignation, but the move is expected to have significant repercussions, particularly in Delta State, where the party has been a dominant political force for years.
