The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party is currently contemplating disciplinary measures against certain members of the Edo State chapter due to alleged anti-party activities.
This development comes amidst growing tensions within the party over issues related to the upcoming elections and internal party dynamics.
Recently in Abuja, it was revealed that the party leadership has been inundated with petitions targeting the PDP’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), Dan Orbih, and several of his associates. These petitions have raised concerns over Orbih’s alleged disregard for the party’s collective interests and his actions that could undermine the party’s unity and electoral prospects.
A source within the party who requested anonymity disclosed to our correspondent, “Much as the party will appreciate the cooperation of all tendencies in the state, Orbih and a few persons around him have consistently shown disregard for our collective interest. If you recall, the State Chapter had at some point announced his expulsion but we waded in to broker a truce but it appears him and a handful of people have refused all entreaties to see reason.”
This situation comes on the heels of a recent controversy involving Orbih. Party insiders have hinted that an official query is imminent for members actively campaigning against the party’s candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo. Those whose responses to the query are deemed unsatisfactory could face proceedings before the party’s disciplinary committee.
Further complicating matters, party leaders have expressed concerns over a recent incident where a stakeholder affiliated with Orbih was captured on video celebrating an erroneous media report about a court ruling on the party’s primary election. This footage has been viewed as a troubling indication of potential disloyalty to the party’s cause.
Another party source noted, “We cannot take any punitive action without first allowing him to defend himself as our constitution stipulates. We will follow due process and be fair to all parties. We have an election to win and we will deal with these distractions and move on.”
The Edo State PDP Youth League has recently called for sanctions against Orbih, following a viral video of him celebrating a court ruling that supposedly nullified the party’s primary election. Orbih’s critics argue that his actions contravene specific provisions of the PDP Constitution, particularly Sections 58 (1) (a) (b) (f) and (j), which outline offenses related to anti-party activities. As per Section 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution, these offenses can warrant severe sanctions, including expulsion from the party.
