Igbinedion’s Daughter Resigns from PDP Ahead of Edo Governorship Election

The political landscape of Edo State in Nigeria has witnessed a significant shake-up with the resignation of Omosede Igbinedion, daughter of the renowned Benin Kingdom billionaire and former governor, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Her resignation comes just months before the Edo governorship election, sparking widespread reactions and raising questions about the potential impact on the party’s fortunes in the state.

Omosede Igbinedion, a former member of the House of Representatives and a prominent political figure in Edo State, has long been associated with the PDP. Her decision to leave the party has surprised many political observers and has led to speculation about the reasons behind her resignation and what it could mean for the upcoming election. The timing of her departure, so close to the governorship election, has particularly raised eyebrows, with some viewing it as a protest against the current state of the party.

Background on Omosede Igbinedion

Omosede Igbinedion is not just any politician in Edo State. As the daughter of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, a former governor of the state and a powerful figure in Nigerian politics, she carries with her a significant political legacy. Her family has been deeply entrenched in Edo State’s political scene for decades, and her influence has been felt across various levels of governance in the state.

Omosede’s political career began in earnest when she was elected to the House of Representatives in 2015, representing Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West Federal Constituency. During her time in the House, she was known for her advocacy on issues related to women’s rights, education, and healthcare. Her tenure in the National Assembly solidified her position as a key player in the PDP and in Edo State politics.

However, her political journey has not been without challenges. In the 2019 general elections, she lost her bid for re-election to the House of Representatives, a defeat that was seen by some as a setback for her political career. Despite this, she remained active in the PDP and continued to wield influence within the party.

The Resignation: A Protest or Strategic Move?

Omosede Igbinedion’s resignation from the PDP has been interpreted by many as a protest against the party’s current direction. While she has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for her departure, sources close to her suggest that she has grown increasingly disillusioned with the party’s leadership and its handling of internal affairs, particularly in the lead-up to the Edo governorship election.

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One of the key issues that may have contributed to her resignation is the perceived marginalization of her faction within the PDP. There have been reports of internal wrangling and power struggles within the party, with some factions feeling sidelined by the current leadership. Omosede, being a high-profile member of the party, may have found herself at odds with the party’s direction and decided to step away as a form of protest.

Another possible reason for her resignation could be her dissatisfaction with the party’s candidate selection process for the upcoming governorship election. The PDP’s process of selecting a candidate has been contentious, with several aspirants vying for the party’s ticket. If Omosede felt that the process was unfair or that her preferred candidate was not given a fair chance, it could have prompted her to leave the party.

On the other hand, some analysts believe that her resignation could be a strategic move aimed at realigning her political career. By leaving the PDP, Omosede may be positioning herself for a role in another political party or as an independent candidate. This move could be seen as an attempt to maintain her relevance in Edo politics and to keep her options open for future political endeavors.

Reactions from the Political Scene

Omosede Igbinedion’s resignation has elicited a range of reactions from the political scene in Edo State and beyond. Within the PDP, there is a sense of shock and disappointment at her departure, with some party members expressing concern about the potential impact on the party’s performance in the upcoming election. As a prominent figure within the party, her resignation is seen as a blow to the PDP’s cohesion and unity.

Some PDP members have called for reconciliation efforts to bring Omosede back into the fold, arguing that her departure could weaken the party’s chances of winning the governorship election. There are also concerns that her resignation could embolden other disgruntled members to leave the party, leading to further fragmentation within the PDP.