Dr. Austin Orette, a Nigerian-American physician and former Delta South Senatorial aspirant, has resigned from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), citing the party’s failure to conduct credible primary elections and concerns about his political future.
In a resignation letter dated May 28, 2026 and made available to The News Chronicle, Orette announced that his decision takes immediate effect, saying it followed “careful reflection” on his political journey.
“I hereby tender my resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) with immediate effect,” the letter read.
Explaining the reasons for his exit, Orette said the move was driven by personal considerations, the party’s inability to conduct credible primaries, and a reassessment of his future political direction.
“The decision has become necessary due to personal reasons, failure of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) to conduct credible primaries, and a deep reflection on my political journey and future direction,” he stated.
The resignation letter, copied to the NDC secretariat and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), thanked the party’s leadership for the opportunity to contest as an aspirant for the Delta South Senatorial District.
Orette also expressed appreciation for the support and relationships he built during his time in the party, wishing the NDC and its members success in their future political pursuits.
His resignation comes months after he vowed, in May 2026, to challenge the NDC national leadership in court over what he alleged were irregularities and wrongdoing in the party’s affairs.
