Fifteen Pangu MPs have resigned from the party effectively killing the party’s parliamentary wing.
The move is meant to put an end to the ongoing conflict between the executive arm of the party led by President Patrick Pundao and General Secretary, Morris Tovebae.
In the 2017 elections, the long running feud evolved into a tit-for-tat power play when the executive wing nominated candidates for the same seats contested by those endorsed by party leader, Sam Basil.
Last night, news of a party split came to the fore, with one faction siding with Bulolo MP, Sam Basil and the other with Morobe Governor, Ginson Saonu. The Saonu faction, which has, as of last count, eight members, has joined the group of opposition and PNC defectors camping at Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby.
Earlier in the day, Abau MP, Puka Temu, Kiriwina-Goodenough’s Douglas Tomuriesa and Telefomin MP, Solan Mirisin, announced their resignations from the PNC and their Ministerial portfolios. Five other MPs also announced their defections from the PNC led coalition.
According to MPs based at the Laguna Hotel, there are 29 members in camp with an additional 24 in the Opposition group.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, is yet to issue an official response to the ongoing exodus of coalition members.
Mr. O’Neill was attending the National Lands Forum in Port Moresby when three ministers and five other MPs announced their resignations.
