OLEH/Nigeria: Prominent Nigerian-American physician and former Delta South Senatorial aspirant, Dr. Austin Orette, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing what he described as the party’s failure to conduct credible primary elections and concerns over his future political direction.
Orette conveyed his decision in a resignation letter dated May 28, 2026, bringing an end to his membership of the party after contesting for its Delta South Senatorial ticket.
In the letter, which was copied to the leadership of the party and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the medical practitioner said his decision followed careful reflection on his political journey and developments within the party.
According to him, the resignation became necessary for personal reasons as well as his dissatisfaction with the conduct of the party’s primary election, which he said fell short of credible democratic standards.
Despite his decision to leave, Orette expressed appreciation to the party for giving him the opportunity to seek its nomination for the Delta South Senatorial District.
He also thanked party leaders, members and supporters for their encouragement and cooperation during his time in the NDC, while wishing the party success in its future activities.
Orette’s resignation comes months after he openly challenged the conduct of the party’s leadership during the 2026 electoral process.
In May 2026, the former senatorial aspirant accused the NDC national leadership of irregularities in the party’s primary election and vowed to seek legal redress over what he described as wrongdoing in the nomination process.
Although his latest resignation letter did not indicate his next political destination, the move is expected to fuel speculation about his future ahead of political realignments preceding the 2027 general elections.
Dr. Orette is widely known within Delta South political circles for his participation in the 2026 senatorial race and has maintained an active interest in governance, public policy and healthcare development.
