Former aviation minister Osita Chidoka resigns from PDP

Osita Chidoka, a former minister of aviation, has resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Chidoka announced his resignation from the opposition party on Friday when he featured on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

The former minister said he has written to his ward in Anambra state about his decision.

Chidoka said he would dedicate his time to the Athena Centre, a non-profit organisation (NGO) committed to enhancing public policy and leadership across Nigeria.

“I am leaving politics for some time. I am focusing on the Athena Centre,” Chidoka said.

“I will work in concert with other Nigerians who want us to reform the political system to bring evidence-based governance and to support it. So, effective today, I am no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.”

In August 2023, Chidoka said the PDP could become extinct if reforms did not kick in quickly.

“Now, we are beginning to see that PDP itself needs to be reformed,” he said.

“It needs to renew and reimagine itself to be able to begin to play the role of opposition, knowing full well that we have a politician as president.

“If PDP doesn’t get its act together, it will be an extinct party.”

Chidoka served as the minister of aviation between 2014 and 2015 under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.