Former Edo Assembly Deputy Speaker Dumps PDP

The PDP suffered a fatal blow in Owan this week as a political heavyweight who is a three-time member and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Omon Ezomon, dumped the party.

Rt Hon Ezomon one of my the last remaining bulwark of the PDP represented Owan West Constituency in the Edo State legislature between 1999 and 2007, blamed internal crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for his decision.

Rt Hon Ezomon's action is expected to weaken the party's already sliding grip in the area where the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Blessing Agbebaku claims to hold away.

Rt Hon Ezomon announced his departure from the PDP in a bombshell letter dated 16th September 2024 ans addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 5, Avbiosi, Iuleha, Owan West LGA.

Rt Hon Ezomon’s resignation which takes immediate effect, comes after what he describes as "considerable reflection" and consultations over the alienation he has faced from the decision-making process at the ward, local government, and state levels of the party. 

According to the former legislator, the leadership of the party has deliberately sidelined him, ignoring his immense contributions to the growth and development of the party.

Rt Hon Ezomon lamented the actions of "neophytes" who, despite his status as a foundation member and two-term elected representative, now control the PDP at the local level. He expressed pain over the disrespect shown to his political legacy, which includes his rise to the position of Deputy Speaker during his tenure.

Raising concerns about the ongoing internal strife plaguing the party, he highlighted the unresolved conflicts and infighting that have weakened the PDP as it heads into the Saturday's gubernatorial elections. 

He criticized the party leadership’s inability to foster unity and cohesion, a failure he says could have dire consequences for the party’s future electoral prospects.

"I am deeply saddened by the glaring disunity and lack of leadership that have foisted division within the ranks of the party. For my own peace of mind and mental health, I have made the painful decision to leave," Ezomon stated in the letter.

Rt Hon Ezomon, however, was diplomatic in his parting words, expressing gratitude for the opportunities the PDP had provided him and wishing the leadership of Ward 5 well in their future endeavors.

The defection has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Edo State, even as analysts speculate on what Ezomon’s next move might be, with some hinting at a possible realignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).