Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, has formally resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), bringing an end to his long-standing affiliation with the party.

Orji announced his departure in a resignation letter addressed to the PDP Chairman of Umuahia Urban Ward 1, which was made public on Saturday. He explained that his decision followed “wide consultations with family and associates,” adding that he was grateful for the experiences gained during his time in the party.

The former governor, who led Abia State from 2007 to 2015, first rose to power on the platform of the Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) in 2007. He later defected to the PDP in 2011 after a political fallout with his predecessor. Orji was re-elected under the PDP and went on to serve two terms in the Senate representing Abia Central between 2015 and 2023.

His resignation comes amid a series of departures from the PDP in Abia State. Earlier in May, his wife and former First Lady, Odochi (Mercy) Orji, also exited the party, while his son and former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Senator Orji thanked the PDP for the platform it provided but affirmed that his exit from the party was final.