Barely nineteen days before the September 21 governorship election, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Member of Parliament representing Akoko-Edo II from 2015 to 2023, Hon Emmanuel Agbaje, has resigned his membership of the party.
In a letter dated September 2, 2024 to his Ward 10 chairman in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area, Agbaje complained of isolation and alleged sidelining in the party and his Ward 10.
“This is not a decision I have made lightly, but after careful deliberation with my supporters and leaders. I believe this is the best step for me to take at this time,” the letter read in part.
“Since democracy offers choices, I have the right to review my involvement and seek alignment that recognises loyalty, dedication and sacrifice. I can no longer tolerate the deliberate alienation and sidelining of party loyalists and leaders, especially from our ward.
“As a founding member of the party, this is a difficult decision, because of the relationships that have been built over the years within the party, as well as the sentiments of good friends who wish to remain in the party. I have your assurance that our friendship and relationship will remain safe and secure. Life outside politics is bigger.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your leadership and support during my tenure in the party. I have valued our working relationship and our shared commitment to the ideals of APCI and look forward to a continued strong relationship that benefits our people and communities.”
Agbaje was the only APC lawmaker in the state assembly, besides 14 other lawmakers who were not sworn-in in 2019 and who did not defect from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2020 governorship election. It was gathered that from that time until the end of his tenure, he was denied all rights as a lawmaker except his monthly salary.
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