The lawmakers representing Edo South, Senator Mathew Urhoghide and Ondo Central, Senator Ayo Akinyelure, have both defected from the People’s Democratic Party.
The duo made their defection known on Wednesday in separate letters read by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, who presided over the plenary.
In his letter titled, “Notification of Resignation of My Membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP),” Uroghide stated that his exit from the party is a result of irreconcilable differences and squabbles with the party.
He said, “I write to formally inform you and the entire senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that | am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, effective immediately.
“This difficult decision arose out of the negative political energy emanating at the moment from the irreconcilable differences and squabbles within the PDP at the national level and especially in my dear state, Edo State.
“These squabbles have spiked to levels that have made it impossible for someone like me who is a confirmed democrat to function and grow as I envisioned in my political journey.”
The Edo lawmaker stated that he was grateful to the party for the opportunity it had afforded him the experience and opportunity to build relationships.
He added, “Above all else, it imbued in me, knowledge and experience that! could not have gotten anywhere else. As the ninth Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria winds down, I congratulate my colleagues, both returning and outgoing, for the service they rendered to our nation and a wish of God’s speed in whatever you find expedient to do, going forward.”
Similarly, Akinyelure noted that he was resigning to seek other means of adding value to his state.
He said, “Distinguished Colleagues in the 9th Senate of National Assembly, I am resigning my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party with effect from 11th June 2023 when I must have completed my 4 years tenure in the Senate of the 9th Assembly.
“I, therefore, wish to express my appreciation to the party for granting me the opportunity to serve Ondo Central Senatorial District and Nigeria in the Senate of the 9th Assembly on the platform of PDP. “
Akinyelure added, “This is to enable me to settle down and look forward to other areas of human and professional endeavours where | can be of value addition to my dear State, Ondo State and Nigeria in general.
“Once again, I say big congratulations for moving Nigeria forward to greater heights of development going forward in our political endeavours. While wishing the Party the best of luck in its future endeavours, please accept, the assurances of my best regards.”
However, both lawmakers did not state the party they are defecting to.
