Ex-LP National Chairman, Dan Iwuanyanwu Resigns Membership Of Party

Twenty four hours after former President Olusegun Obasanjo resigned his membership of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, the pioneer National Chairman of the Labour Party, Dan Iwuanyanwu, has resigned from the LP, albeit, in a less dramatic fashion as the former. Iwanyanwu announced his resignation in a letter dated February 13 to his successor, Abdulkadir Salam, alleging misappropriation of party funds by the incumbent.

He did not however say if he was joining another political party as he was silent on his political future.

Mr. Nwanyanwu stepped down as the party’s national chairman last year after 10 years in the saddle and was appointed Chairman of its Board of Trustees at the Akure convention.

In the letter, the former chairman accused Mr. Salam of turning himself to the “biblical Pharaoh” in spite of the genuine advice given to him.

He also alleged that the recent nomination of the party’s candidates for the forthcoming general elections lacked integrity, transparency and accountability and that Mr. Salam could not exonerate himself.

The letter reads, “I regret to observe that events in the Labour Party especially with regard to the handling of the recently concluded nomination of candidates on the platform of the party for the 2015 general elections are not in consonance with the integrity, transparency and accountability for which the Labour party had achieved reputation over the years.

“I have had cause to confront you personally with the information available to me regarding these matters of concern and I must admit that your incoherent answers created more doubts in my mind about your innocence.

“It is sad for you to use the good name of security chiefs in this country to justify your unpardonable action in connection with the huge funds that came from one of the South-South states as nomination fees for the party thereby denying the party its legitimate funds.

“Did you consider this same security chief becoming aware of the criminal use of his name and consequently arresting you and your collaborators? What image would you have left of the party? This is very sad and I do not want to be part of this mess amongst others”.

He stated further, “I am unable to continue to hold the office of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the party or continue to associate with the party as a member.

“Consequently, I hereby tender my resignation both as Chairman of Board of Trustees of Labour Party and member of the party. I have already taken steps to effect my resignation as member of the party at my ward as required by the party constitution”.