He announced this in a statement he issued on Wednesday, saying he had conveyed his decision in a letter dated July 7, 2022, addressed to the PDP chairman of Ward 11 in the Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.
Iworiso-Markson also said his decision was as a result of his desire to pursue his political aspiration to offer quality representation to the people of Ogbia Federal Constituency.
He claimed that several weeks after the PDP primary election, in which he contested for a House of Representatives ticket, there had not been any form of overtures by the leaders of the party despite the fact that they were aware that some aspirants were aggrieved over the process and the outcomes of the exercise.
He lamented that the shabby treatment he received was accompanied by a series of blackmail to discredit him, all in a bid to deny him the PDP ticket to contest the 2023 general election.
He said the shameless propaganda that he had no electoral value was the height of the gross political humiliation he suffered in the run-up to the PDP primary, adding that he had decided to go ahead to contest the main election and allow the people of Ogbia to decide his fate and electoral worth.
The letter read in part, “This signifies my decision to officially quit the PDP. As it is customary, I am writing to inform you and also state the reasons behind my action which, was well thought out.
“On May 23, 2022, I contested for the ticket of the PDP for Ogbia Federal Constituency. The process and outcome of the election even though not satisfactory, was swept under the carpet. Ordinarily, it was expected that the PDP leadership will reach out and make certain overtures to assuage the feelings of people like me but more than a month after, nothing has been done.
“Rather, the party has continued as if all is well even when it is glaring that it is not. I consider this as an act of disregard and disdain, especially against the likes of myself that has contributed so much to the success of the party since 2012. My record of service and loyalty while in government to both the party and the state cannot be denied and even when things went bad I remained, not minding the threats”.
Iworiso-Markson stated that even after the primary, he kept receiving calls and messages from people of his constituency urging him to pursue his political ambition using another platform because of their conviction of what he had to offer.
The former commissioner said that he decided to listen to the compelling voices by joining the SDP to push for the realisation of his ambition to represent the people of Ogbia at the Green Chambers of the National Assembly.
He added, “Although I had moved on after the primary despite how unfair the party treated me, yet, I was inundated with calls and messages on the need to be on the ballot for the 2023 elections.
“Those who have reached out to me gave very valid reasons that bother on quality representation which they believe I can offer. Their argument was robust, rich, very compelling and I accepted. I have, therefore, decided to pursue my ambition to go to the House of Representatives on the platform of the SDP in order to actualise my dream of creating a new Ogbia through sound legislation.
“I am also convinced that at this moment the SDP will treat me with respect, accord me all the regard that a loyal party man deserves and not look the other way when it matters most.”
