Osita Chidoka, a former minister of aviation, has resigned
from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chidoka announced his resignation from the opposition party
on Friday when he featured on Politics Today, a programme on Channels
Television.
The former minister said he has written to his ward in
Anambra state about his decision.
Chidoka said he would dedicate his time to the Athena
Centre, a non-profit organisation (NGO) committed to enhancing public policy
and leadership across Nigeria.
“I am leaving politics for some time. I am focusing on the
Athena Centre,” Chidoka said.
“I will work in concert with other Nigerians who want us to
reform the political system to bring evidence-based governance and to support
it. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic
Party.”
In August 2023, Chidoka said the PDP could become extinct if
reforms did not kick in quickly.
“Now, we are beginning to see that PDP itself needs to be
reformed,” he said.
“It needs to renew and reimagine itself to be able to begin
to play the role of opposition, knowing full well that we have a politician as
president.
“If PDP doesn’t get its act together, it will be an extinct
party.”
Chidoka served as the minister of aviation between 2014 and
2015 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He was the corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps
(FRSC) from 2007 to 2014 during the government of ex-President Olusegun
Obasanjo.
‘I’M COMMITTED TO
GOOD GOVERNANCE’
In his resignation letter to the party sighted by TheCable,
the former minister said he remains committed to good governance, national
unity and honest public service.
“As I step away from active partisan politics, I remain
committed to good governance, national unity, and evidence-based and honest
public service. I look forward to a future where I can once again contribute
directly to the political landscape, aligned with the values I hold dear,” the
letter reads.
“I leave the PDP with immense respect and gratitude and wish
the party every success as it continues to reposition itself as a force for
positive change in Nigeria.
“I conclude with my lifelong mantra: our national aspiration
of building a nation where no man is oppressed will be realised sooner rather
than later. I remain hopeful of a renascent
“Nigeria guided by the spirit of Naija—that shared space
where ethnicity and religion do not impede our collective aspirations for a
great nation.
“Thank you for your understanding and for the support I have
received from you and the ward members over the years.”
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