The National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party has suspended Chief Dan Orbih, its national vice chairman (South-South), over alleged anti-party activities. Orbih has been barred from all activities of the party pending investigation into his conduct relating to the Edo State governorship election.
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This was contained in a statement by the national publicity secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, on Wednesday, July 10. According to a released statement, Orbih’s actions and comments about the Edo State Governorship Primary Election did not align with the constitution of the party.
Internal Conflicts and Judgment of the Courts
Since the outcome of February 22, 2024, which emerged Asue Ighodalo as the PDP Edo state chapter governorship candidate, there has been an emerging series of internal conflicts. Angered party members filed a suit on the matter at the court, which Justice Inyang Ekwo abolished the primary election on grounds of exclusion of 378 delegates. The PDP has since appealed the judgment.
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Investigation Committee
He announced that the NWC has set up a six-member committee, led by Deputy National Chairman, South, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the matter of Orbih over the allegations, saying that it is expectant that the committee will investigate and subsequently report. In the interim, however, Orbih has been suspended from all meetings, activities, and programs of the NWC.
Statement from PDP
The statement read:
“Consequently, the NWC has set up a six-member committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman (South) Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, to investigate the issue pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of the Party. In the meantime, the NWC forthwith suspends Chief Dan Orbih from participating in all meetings, activities and programs of the NWC pending the conclusion of investigation by the Committee.”
Additional Developments
In related news, Benjamin Obaseki, a prominent member of the PDP in Edo state and a relative of Governor Obaseki, has decided to leave the party. Benjamin, a ward 10 member and former official of Oredo Local Government chapter of the party, tendered his resignation with a deep sense of regret in a June 12, 2024, letter.
Events such as this simply further underscore the fact that something is wrong somewhere, as turmoil exists to a real extent within the PDP in fighting inner quotas and inching toward the Edo State governorship election.
