Former Abia Deputy Governor Ude Oko-Chukwu Resigns from PDP

Chief Ude Oko-Chukwu, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Abia State, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing personal reasons for his decision. The resignation marks the end of his decades-long association with the party.

In a letter addressed to the chairman of the PDP in Ndi Elu Ward, Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, Oko-Chukwu expressed gratitude for the opportunities the party gave him over the years but said stepping away was the best course of action for him at this time.

“You may wish to note that I am resigning due to personal reasons. While it was a difficult decision to make, it is the best course of action for me at this time,” the letter partly read.

Although the letter did not disclose any hint about his next political destination, the former deputy governor acknowledged the valuable experiences he gained during his time in the PDP and thanked the party leadership for their support throughout his political journey.

“I am grateful for the opportunity the party availed me to serve at various levels and appreciate the experience and knowledge gained during my membership of the party. Thank you for your understanding and support in this matter, even as I wish you the best for the future,” he wrote.

The resignation letter, dated and received by the ward chairman, was acknowledged by Ama Nwoke Ibe, who signed on behalf of the PDP at the ward level.

Oko-Chukwu, a seasoned politician, served as Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly before becoming Deputy Governor under the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. He also vied for the PDP’s 2023 governorship ticket but lost to Chief Okey Ahaiwe, a development that was believed to have sparked internal grievances within the party’s leadership in the state.

Political observers in Abia State view Oko-Chukwu’s exit from the PDP as a potential realignment move ahead of future political activities, especially as permutations for 2027 begin to take shape.

Although he has remained silent on his next steps, there is growing speculation that he may either join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or the Labour Party (LP), both of which are reportedly courting high-profile defectors in the South East.

This latest defection comes at a time when the PDP in Abia is still grappling with internal discontent following its loss of the state governorship seat to the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections. The party is also facing challenges in consolidating its base amidst rising defections of key figures who once formed its political backbone.

As the 2027 political season draws closer, many eyes will be on Oko-Chukwu to see what role he plans to play in the evolving political landscape of Abia and the South East region.