Citing its deviation from the principles of inclusive democracy, transparency, and grassroots engagement, a governorship aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the September 21 election in Edo State, Engr. Derek Osarenren Izedonmwen has resigned his membership of the party.
In a letter dated February 24 and addressed to Mr. Austin Edosomwan, the party’s chairman in Ward 4, Oredo Local Government Area, Engr. Izedonmwen confessed that his resignation, which took immediate effect, did not come easily and followed considerable reflection on his personal and political aspirations.
The governorship aspirant wrote that throughout his time with SDP, he was profoundly committed to the principles of inclusive democracy, transparency, and grassroots engagement, which initially drew him to the party.
He however noted that he valued his time with the SDP and appreciated the opportunities it provided him to engage with his local community and state constituents.
Disillusioned with what he insisted was the current direction and practices of the party, Engr. Izedonmwen noted that it has diverged from his core political beliefs and the vision he held for effective governance.
He added: “It is important for me to align my political pursuits with platforms that reflect inclusivity, transparency, unity, and a commitment to democratic values.
He wrote that this resignation is not borne out of malice or disregard for the individuals within the party but a move toward aligning his political activities more closely with his values and goals.
Engr. Izedonmwen added: “It is my hope that, in the future, there may be opportunities for collaboration between myself and the SDP, especially if the party’s direction aligns more closely with the grassroots, inclusive, and transparent politics I advocate for. In the pursuit of our state’s and nation’s betterment, I believe that constructive partnerships can transcend individual affiliations.”
While wishing the party and its members success in their future endeavours, he said that the door was still open to potential collaborative efforts that serve the public interest and foster genuine democratic values.
Worried by the inability of the party to field a candidate for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State, aggrieved leaders of the party in the state, who met recently in Benin, had urged the National Working Committee to involve the State Executive Committee and local leaders in the formulation and execution of party policies, guidelines, and programs to foster unity and prevent further divisions within the party.
The stakeholders deplored the recent botched governorship primary, conducted on 23rd February 2024 in Benin City, which was fraught with irregularities, including the exclusion of many delegates due to an abrupt rescheduling from the initially planned date of 24th February 2024.
The party’s big wigs however reiterated their unflinching support for Engr. Izedonmwen, who they said had consistently shown genuine interest and commitment to running for the office of governor under the SDP banner, as evidenced by his letter of intent, which was duly acknowledged by both national and state party authorities.