Professor Bem Angwe, who contested as the gubernatorial candidate for the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Benue State in 2023, has expressed his desire to distance himself from the opposition party.

Angwe, a former National Legal Adviser of NNPP, conveyed this message through a statement released on Sunday in Markurdi, the capital of Benue State. He cited various reasons, including the recent unfortunate crisis and widespread confusion within the party across all levels, for his decision to resign from his membership.

The former head of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) mentioned his intention to refocus on his academic pursuits and his commitment to upholding human rights in the country. Angwe expressed his gratitude to the party's executives and members who demonstrated their belief in him and supported his candidacy during the 2023 gubernatorial election in Benue.

He said: “Considering the recent unfortunate crisis and the confusion that has engulfed the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) at all levels and in accordance with the NNPP Constitution 2022 (as amended), I, on this day of 26th August 2023, withdrew my membership of the NNPP.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I have communicated the notice of my NNPP membership withdrawal to the party Chairman of the Mbatyu NNPP Ward Executive Committee in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.

“I wish to express my special appreciation to my Ward, LGA and State party Executive members, other party members, supporters and all my well-wishers throughout Benue State and Nigeria as a whole for the great support they accorded me while I was in the party and during my Governorship campaigns as a Gubernatorial Candidate on the platform of the party.”