Immediate past president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo has announced his decision to quit the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the upcoming general elections, tearing up his membership card in public.
Obasanjo has been extremely critical of President Jonathan who seeks re-election under the PDP platform.
In a statement, the PDP described Mr Obasanjo as a “revered leader of our party” and said it was “deeply saddened” by his resignation.
It added that it was “bewildered” by the former president’s choice to tear up his party membership card in public.
The Nigerian military issued its own statement, calling Mr Obasanjo, a former military ruler as well as an elected president, “a serious embarrassment” after he criticised its role in the postponement of the elections.
Prior to tearing up his membership, Mr Obasanjo told local media outside his residence that he was expecting to be ejected from the party.
“They said they want to expel me from PDP, although I have not been told, but I have my ears on ground,” he said.
Obasanjo said he would not be joining another party.
“I will only be a Nigerian, I’m ready to work with anybody regardless of political affiliation. Why would some people say they want to send me away, they don’t need to bother themselves, here’s your membership card, take it,” he added.
Watch the video below from 3:01 and listen to Olusegun Obasanjo’s comments on President Jonathan.