The ongoing conflict within the Ebonyi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated following the resignation of a former governorship aspirant, Christian Usulor.
Usulor, who served three terms in the Ebonyi State Assembly representing Ezza South Constituency from 2011 to 2023, announced his departure in a letter dated June 8, 2024, addressed to his ward chairman.
The PDP in Ebonyi has been mired in conflict, which significantly undermined its performance in the 2023 general elections.
In the aftermath, numerous party leaders defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Despite efforts to restore peace, the situation deteriorated further when the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed a caretaker committee to manage the state’s party affairs.
This move sparked fresh discord, with several prominent members rejecting the decision and threatening to leave the party.
In his resignation letter, Usulor cited the persistent crisis and factionalization within the party as the primary reasons for his decision.
He recalled issuing an ultimatum to the party’s national leadership to resolve the issues plaguing the state chapter, which went unaddressed.
Usulor criticized the national leadership for exacerbating the crisis by appointing individuals from other political parties to the state caretaker committee, a move that displeased many stakeholders.
After consulting with his followers, supporters, and well-wishers, he concluded that remaining in the PDP no longer served his or his associates’ political interests.
Reflecting on his contributions, Usulor noted his efforts to promote the growth and development of the PDP, while also acknowledging the party’s role in advancing his political career, including his three-term tenure in the state assembly.
He expressed hope that his resignation would be accepted in good faith and conveyed his gratitude to the party and its leaders at all levels.
Usulor, the son of the late Senator Usulor, emphasized that his resignation would allow him to explore new political opportunities that align with his aspirations and those of his supporters.
He stated that he would announce his future political plans after consulting with his family, political followers, and associates.