Prince Onwa Nwafor-Orizu has officially withdrawn from the Anambra South Senatorial by-election slated for August 2025, citing deepening leadership crises within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In a heartfelt statement released on Tuesday, the prominent political figure and PDP candidate expressed regret over his exit but said the party’s internal struggles left him no choice.

“Our great party has been engulfed in what appears to be an intractable leadership crisis at the top, derailing its competitive focus in Nigeria’s political landscape,” he said.

The announcement sent ripples across the Anambra South Senatorial District, where Nwafor-Orizu had gained significant grassroots momentum. His message of reform and youth inclusion had won him both PDP loyalists and non-partisan followers.

“I urge my teeming supporters to bear with me in this unfortunate development,” he added. “The journey is not over—we are currently consulting widely on the next step.”

The PDP has been plagued by factional disputes and leadership wrangling in recent months, casting a shadow over its electoral readiness.

Gong-news reports that Nwafor-Orizu’s withdrawal is a major blow to the party’s chances in the region, traditionally seen as a PDP stronghold.

Despite stepping aside, Nwafor-Orizu made it clear he isn’t retreating from politics. His statement hints at a strategic regrouping, likely signalling future political ambition possibly under a different banner.

Supporters say his withdrawal is a tactical pause, not an end.