Edo PDP members demand Wike’s suspension over party crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party has implicated the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the crisis within the Edo State chapter of the party.

Edo PDP has been facing internal conflicts since the governorship primary election on February 22, 2024, which resulted in Asue Ighodalo becoming the governorship candidate. Discontented party members subsequently took legal action against the party.

Last week, Justice Inyang Ekwo invalidated the primary in the case FHC/ABJ/CS/165/2024, due to the exclusion of 378 delegates. The PDP appealed this judgment on Wednesday.

Consequently, the PDP National Working Committee has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, for allegedly sabotaging the party’s efforts in Edo State.

Orbih is an ally of the former Rivers State Governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

A member of the party NWC who did not want his name mentioned in print, because he was not authorised to speak on the matter accused Wike of being behind the party’s ordeal 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, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH affirmed that the party leadership remains undeterred and committed to ensuring the success of the PDP’s candidate.