The resignation of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Chuks Ajaelu, has sparked a fresh wave of defections in Ihitte/Uboma Local Government Area of Imo State, with several ward and local government executive officials quitting the party in a development seen as a significant setback for the opposition in the area.
Among those who resigned are four ward chairmen: Hon. Emeka Okafor (Amakohia Ward), Hon. Iwueke Obinna (Okata Ward), Engr. Agbagwara Sonye (Umuihi Ward), and Uzoegbu Epiphany Chinomso (Abueke Ward). Also exiting the party are Hon. Jerome Nwaode, PDP LGA Treasurer in Ihitte/Uboma, MLS Ogu Iheukwumere, LGA Assistant Publicity Secretary, and Mrs. Keke Confidence, Woman Leader of Amakohia Ward.
The resignations come days after Ajaelu, a former PDP State Vice Chairman for Okigwe Zone, announced his departure from the party after nearly three decades, citing alleged intimidation, exclusion of dissenting voices, disregard for internal democracy, and violations of the party’s constitution and traditions by the current state party leadership led by Austin Nwachukwu.
Ajaelu’s resignation was accompanied by the withdrawal of support from key members of the Ajaelu political family, including his elder brother, Chief Kizzy Ajaelu.
This newspaper reported that the family, regarded as one of the founding pillars of the PDP in Ihitte Uboma and Imo State, became increasingly dissatisfied with developments within the party.
Party sources said the latest resignations reflect growing discontent among grassroots members and could further weaken the PDP’s structure in Ihitte/Uboma, where the Ajaelu family has long wielded considerable influence. There are also indications that more resignations may follow in other parts of Okigwe Zone in the coming days.
*The Resignation Letters
