PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: Erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has announced his resignation from the ruling party, citing dissatisfaction with the direction of the country under President Bola Tinubu.
Eze, who disclosed his decision in a statement made available to the media, said he took the step after extensive consultations with his family and associates, adding that he has now aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to pursue what he described as a renewed democratic agenda.
The former APC stalwart attributed his exit to what he termed the “ineptitude” of the current administration, which he said has worsened the economic condition of Nigerians, alongside escalating insecurity across the country.
Reflecting on his role in the formation and promotion of the APC, Eze expressed regret over his past support for the party, noting that its founding ideals have been abandoned.
“We promised Nigerians improvement in the value of the naira, better security, food sufficiency, quality education, and a strong democratic system. Today, those promises have not only failed but have deteriorated,” he stated.
He further alleged that the country has been plunged into hardship, insecurity and political intolerance, describing Nigeria as increasingly unsafe, with citizens facing daily threats to their lives and livelihoods.
Eze criticised the administration’s handling of national security, claiming that many communities, particularly in the North-East and North-Central regions, have been displaced by banditry and insurgency, forcing residents into internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
He also raised concerns over what he described as shrinking democratic space, accusing the ruling party of suppressing opposition voices and fostering a one-party dominance in the political system.
According to him, recent political developments and statements by some political actors reflect a growing intolerance for dissent, which he warned could undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
The former APC chieftain also took a swipe at key political figures within the ruling party, accusing them of contributing to what he described as the erosion of democratic values.
In a tone of remorse, Eze tendered an apology to Nigerians for his role in promoting the APC, stating that the current state of the nation falls short of the expectations that were set during the party’s formative years.
“The best I can do to show my seriousness is to disengage from this system and join others to restore true democracy and reposition the country,” he said.
He expressed optimism that Nigerians would eventually unite to demand accountable leadership, insisting that the current socio-economic challenges confronting citizens would shape future political outcomes.
Eze also aligned himself with criticisms by other political leaders, including former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who recently described the present administration as lacking the capacity to effectively secure the nation.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to working with like-minded individuals under the ADC platform to “restore genuine democracy and rebuild the country.”
