The Peoples Democratic Party has implicated the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the ongoing crisis within the Edo State chapter of the party.
Edo PDP has been embroiled in internal conflicts since the governorship primary election held on February 22, 2024, which saw Asue Ighodalo emerge as the party’s governorship candidate. This result did not sit well with some party members, leading to legal action against the party.
Last week, Justice Inyang Ekwo invalidated the primary in case FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024 due to the exclusion of 378 delegates from the process. In response, the PDP appealed this judgment on Wednesday.
In the wake of these developments, the PDP National Working Committee has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, alleging that he sabotaged the party’s efforts in Edo State. Orbih is known to be an ally of Nyesom Wike, the former Rivers State Governor and the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
A member of the party NWC, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorization to speak on the matter, accused Wike of orchestrating the party’s troubles in Edo State. The source stated, “We are deeply concerned, and the party leadership shares this concern, that some members are attempting to sabotage the party’s efforts in Edo State.
“Orbih and the former Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu, are not acting alone. They are working in allegiance with Nyesom Wike. The FCT Minister is doing everything possible to undermine the Governor of Edo, Godwin Obaseki, and pave the way for the APC to take control.
“Similar to the situation in Rivers State, the PDP leadership is aware that Wike is the one funding and fueling all the crises within the party in Edo State. It is high time the party took a firm stand on this issue and suspends Wike as well.”
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, confirmed in an interview with Saturday PUNCH that the party leadership remains undeterred and committed to ensuring the success of the PDP’s candidate.
