Mr. Iduoriyekemwen Matthew, a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Director-General of Asue Ighodalo’s 2024 governorship campaign, has tendered his resignation from the party.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of Ward 5 in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Mr. Iduoriyekemwen announced his decision to formally withdraw his membership from the PDP, citing a loss of alignment with the party’s current direction.

“This is a painstaking decision for me, as the PDP has played a vital role in my political journey and personal development,” he wrote, acknowledging the platform the party had provided over the years.

However, he noted that recent developments within the party at both the state and national levels had made it “difficult to remain a member.”

According to him, “The values and principles that once defined the PDP, as laid down by our founding fathers, appear to have been eroded. What we see today no longer aligns with the vision they had for a truly democratic, all-inclusive, and people-centered political party.”

Mr. Iduoriyekemwen emphasized that his resignation was not driven by anger or haste but was a product of deep reflection and a desire to preserve his personal values and integrity. He also stated that he would be focusing more on his family and business engagements moving forward.

His resignation comes just days after the Supreme Court, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, upheld the victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2024 Edo gubernatorial election, rejecting the legal challenge mounted by the PDP and its candidate, Asue Ighodalo.

Asue Ighodalo’s campaign had been one of the PDP’s most coordinated and high-profile efforts in recent memory, with Mr. Iduoriyekemwen serving as a key strategist and mobilizer.

While the PDP has yet to officially respond to the development, political analysts see the resignation as a significant blow to the party’s internal cohesion and a possible sign of further realignments ahead of future elections.

Mr. Iduoriyekemwen concluded his letter with appreciation to the party leadership and members of Ward 5 for their support over the years and wished the PDP well in its future endeavors.