Former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Chidoka disclosed that he submitted his resignation letter to his ward in Anambra.

He stated that his decision to leave PDP is motivated by his intention to concentrate on his non-profit organization, Athena Centre.

Chidoka expressed his commitment to collaborating with like-minded Nigerians to reform the country’s political system and advocate for evidence-based governance.

He said: “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 served in the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

Ekwutosblog has gathered that Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed his frustration with the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), revealing that he would be willing to leave the ruling party if the leadership permits him.

He made this statement during a recent appearance on Channels Television, where he discussed his grievances with the proposed tax reform bills from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Although Ndume admitted that he had contemplated leaving the APC for some time, he chose to remain due to his personal relationship with President Tinubu and his desire to see the president succeed. He explained, “I am very close to Tinubu. I don’t want him to fail, and that is why I am taking some of these insults. If not, look, I can leave the party.” This remark reflects the senator’s dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs within the party, particularly after his removal as the Senate Chief Whip in July.

Ndume’s removal from his position as Senate Chief Whip followed a letter from APC national leaders, including the party’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, and national secretary, Basiru Ajibola. The letter cited an interview in which Ndume criticized President Tinubu’s administration. As a result, the party leadership recommended that the Senate relieve him of his duties. Furthermore, the APC advised Ndume to leave the party if he wished to continue criticizing the president, prompting him to apologize and pledge not to publicly criticize the administration again.

During his interview, Ndume expressed his strong disapproval of the tax reform bills proposed by the president. He described the proposed bills as a case of “giving somebody something with the right hand and taking it back with the left hand.” According to Ndume, the reforms could have a negative impact on Nigerians, especially the poor and middle class. He argued that higher taxes

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has expressed concern over the growing lack of confidence Nigerians have in their lawmakers, attributing it to poor performance.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ndume highlighted that, in the aftermath of the 2023 general elections, only 25 out of the 109 senators from the previous Assembly returned to the upper chamber.

“This means we have lost the confidence of the people,” he said.

“Out of those that didn’t come back, almost all wanted to return, except for a few who sought governorship positions,” Ndume emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the legislature, stressing that when lawmakers fail to meet public expectations, it amounts to a breach of trust.

Ndume also commented on a recent uproar in the Senate concerning President Bola Tinubu’s proposed tax reform bills.