The Publicity Secretary of the Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dan Osa-Ogbegie, has resigned his membership of the party.
In a statement on Thursday titled “Edo May Win”, Osa-Ogbegie said the opposition in Nigeria has “regrettably, struggled to organise itself with the clarity, cohesion and forward momentum required to offer the kind of structured political alternative that strengthens democracy.”
He expressed concern that, with only a few weeks remaining before party nominations close, “there has been no visible expression of interest by credible aspirants on the platform of the PDP, nor indeed on the platforms of other opposition parties,” adding, “this development compels sober reflection from all of us who believe in the necessity of purposeful political engagement.”
Osa-Ogbegie explained his decision, saying, “After careful reflection and wide consultations with friends, associates, political leaders and members of my immediate family and community, I have taken the difficult but necessary decision to step down my membership of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
He emphasised that politics should “remain a vehicle for service to the people” and that leadership sometimes demands “the courage to make a decision” when circumstances require reassessing one’s political platform to continue contributing meaningfully to society.
Reflecting on his time in the PDP, he said, “My years within the PDP were marked by valuable experiences, engagements and relationships that I will always appreciate. I am grateful to the many leaders and members of the party who worked tirelessly in pursuit of democratic ideals and in the quest to build a better Edo State.”
Osa-Ogbegie also revealed that his decision was influenced by his observations of the new Edo State administration led by His Excellency, Monday Okpebholo.
“In the overriding interest of our beloved Edo State, I have come to the realisation that the most constructive role I can play at this moment is to step aside from the position of opposition spokesman and lend my support to efforts aimed at ensuring that the new government succeeds in delivering the progress our people deserve.”
He described Okpebholo as “personally a friend and a brother,” adding, “If he succeeds, Edo succeeds. And when Edo succeeds, we all succeed. Political platforms may change, but the ultimate duty of leadership must always remain constant: to act in ways that advance the common good of our people.”
Osa-Ogbegie concluded, “At this moment in our history, I choose the path that I believe gives Edo the best chance to move forward. Not for personal gain, but so that our dear state may rise above division, transcend political bitterness, and claim the brighter future that its people deserve.”
He added, “The triumph that truly matters is not the victory of one party over another, but the victory of Edo State itself. Generations yet unborn will not ask which party we served.
“They will ask whether, when the moment demanded courage, we chose the path that allowed Edo to rise. For in the end, politics is fleeting, but the destiny of a people endures. If by this decision Edo moves one step closer to stability, progress and dignity, then the choice would have been worth making. God bless Edo State.”
