Latest: Ighodalo’s Campaign DG, Ray Okpebholo Resigns from PDP
By Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu, Benin
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray, has officially resigned from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect.
He cited the hijacking of the party by undemocratic forces as his reason for leaving.
Deacon Ray, a UK-based prominent media expert who has served in various capacities at both state and national levels, announced his resignation in a letter dated July 17, 2025.
Deacon Darlington Okpebholo Ray was the Lead Spokesman of the Team Asue Media Organization (TAMO) and a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He was also the Director of the Diaspora Media Directorate for the PDP in Edo State.
He serves as Chairman/CEO of Truth Live Media Communications Ltd and is a Fellow of the British College of Journalism as well as Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Truth Live News International.
He is active in mobilizing the Edo diaspora for political campaigns and has played a key role in media and political communication for the PDP in Edo State.
He also holds leadership roles in other organizations such as the Uromi Like Minds Initiative (ULMI), where he is Executive Chairman, and has been involved in community outreach and charitable activities in Uromi, Edo State
The letter was addressed to the PDP Chairman in Ward 5, Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State.
Okpebholo Ray said;
“I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with immediate effect.
“Since joining the party in 1998, I have served diligently and in good conscience across various strategic platforms, as Lead Spokesman of the Team Asue Media Organization, Media Committee Member of the Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu Campaign Organization (2016), and later, the Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organization (2020). I was also honored to serve as a member of the PDP Youth Mobilization Committee in 2019 and as the National Coordinator of the Think Naija Think Atiku Support Group.
“These roles saw me actively representing our candidates and party at different fora, campaign platforms, in newspapers, and on national television stations, even as a diaspora member committed to Nigeria’s democratic future.
“Throughout these assignments, I remained committed to the founding values of inclusion, internal democracy, and collective advancement that once defined the PDP.
“Sadly, the soul of the party has been surrendered to undemocratic forces and personal interests, suffocating the hopes of young Nigerians who once saw the PDP as a beacon of national redemption.
“As such, I find it morally and politically necessary to withdraw my membership and step away from a system that no longer reflects the aspirations of its people.
“I remain grateful to the PDP for the opportunities it afforded me to serve, lead, and grow, and I deeply cherish the relationships built over the years.
“I now turn to new possibilities, with firm belief that Nigeria deserves better”.
