•Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka
A former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Chidoka, who was also the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), disclosed this during his appearance on Channels Television last night.
He said he is leaving politics to focus on his non-profitable organisation, Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, a nonpartisan research institute to join hands with other Nigerians who are interested in reforming the political system in Nigeria.
“Earlier today, I sent a letter to my ward in Anambra State resigning officially from the PDP. I am leaving the PDP, I am leaving politics for some time, I am focusing on the Athena Centre,” Chidoka said on the programme.
“I will work in concert with other Nigerians who want us to reform the political system to bring evidence-based governance and to support it. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.”
In the resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Obosi Ward in Anambra State, Chidoka thanked the party for the opportunity it gave him to serve the country in different capacities.
He recalled that it was under the party that he became the Corps Marshal of the FRSC and later a senior minister.
However, he said that his current focus is on the Athena Centre which demands his full attention and requires him to take a neutral stance free from partisan affiliation.
See the full resignation letter below:
‘Edo election compromised’
Athena Centre founded by Chidoka conducted a review of the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State where the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defeating closest challenger, Asue Ighodalo of the PDP.
The Athena Centre indicted INEC, stating that the election was compromised.
According to Chidoka, who presented the Centre’s findings on the Edo State election, there was substantial evidence of systemic rigging.
“The evidence of systemic rigging observed in this election is so substantial that we cannot call the results.
“The evidence of systemic rigging is so substantial that we think that this election should not be allowed to stand. If this stands, then there is no election in 2027.”
He said he is shocked that an institution like INEC will put its reputation at stake for the purpose of an election.
The former minister alleged that there was lack of transparency in the election and discrepancies in voter accreditation.
He also alleged incidences of over-voting, manipulation at ward collation centres and that the BVAS accreditation record was not transmitted to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
He stated that 153 polling units were not accounted for which means there were no results from those polling units.
He concluded that the Edo State election cannot be deemed credible because it failed to meet basic integrity standards due to substantial interference in the electoral process by the umpire.
