Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former First Lady of Abia State, Mrs Odochi Orji, wife of Abia ex-Governor, Senator Theodore Orji, has quit the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the platform upon which her husband presided over the affairs of the State for the greater part of his eight year-tenure.
The former First Lady’s resignation is coming about three weeks her son and former Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, left the PDP.
Her resignation letter dated May 21, 2024, was addressed to her Umuahia Urban Ward 1 Chairman of PDP, and copied to the state Chairman of the party, and the Acting National Chairman of the PDP.
Mrs Orji cited personal reasons for leaving the PDP.
The former First Lady, however, did not disclose her next destination but she may like to move with the son to any party of his choice.
A copy of her resignation letter read in part: “I write to formally resign as a member of the PDP with effect from this day 21st of May 2024 for personal reasons.
“Thank you for your support during my tenure as the First Lady of Abia and until date a strong supporter of the party. I wish you all the best.”
Meanwhile, Orji’s Aide and former Chief Liaison Officer, Hon. Ifeanyi Umere, confirmed the letter, saying “it is true.”
He, however, refrained from shedding more light on the development.
It is not yet clear if her husband and former Governor would also dump the PDP.
Several party chieftains including former presidential aspirant, Dr Cosmos Ndukwe; former Commissioners, deputy governorship candidate, among others have dumped the PDP in Abia State, recently.