Osaro Onaiwu

Jethro Ibileke/Benin

The Director-General of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Governors Forum, Osaro Onaiwu, has resigned his position.

His resignation might not be unconnected with the conduct of the party’s primary election by three governors, who were said to have promised to ensure his emergence as candidate of the party in the September 10 governorship election in the state.

Onaiwu however said he will pursue his governorship ambition on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

Announcing his resignation in a terse letter addressed to the Chairman of the PDP Governor’s Forum, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo state, Onaiwu explained that he took the decision so he will be able to pursue his future ambition.

The letter read: “Unto every time there is a season, and in line with this Biblical truth, I wish to inform His Excellency of my resignation, effective, June 21, 2016 as the Director-General of the PDP Governors Forum.

“I am persuaded to call it quits in order to pursue my future endeavour in other capacity. During my years as DG of the Forum, I am consoled by the fact that my loyalty, competence and service was at no time in doubt, therefore will be leaving with gratitude. I wish to thank His Excellency and all his brother governors, present and former, for their support during my term as DG and wish the Forum the best.”

Onaiwu who confirmed his political future to journalists in Benin, said: “I am still running for the governorship race in Edo state come September. You can see the leadership crisis in the PDP and that was why I did not purchase the nomination form under the PDP. But I am going to fly the flag of the APGA in Edo state.”

Onaiwu was among the four governorship aspirants of the PDP in Edo state before he pulled out from the race due to what he described as confusion which arose as a result of the factional crisis in the PDP.

Three aspirants however ran for the primaries conducted last Maonday, at which Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu eventually emerged winner.

The author, Jethro Ibileke, can be reached at [email protected]