Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have implicated former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, in the lingering crisis within its Edo State chapter.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the party’s internal conflicts began after the governorship primary election on February 22, 2024, which saw Asue Ighodalo emerge as the governorship candidate.
However, dissatisfied members subsequently took legal action against the party. This led to Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court Abuja invalidating the primary election due to the exclusion of 378 delegates.
The PDP has appealed the judgment, but the crisis has deepened with the suspension of National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, for allegedly sabotaging the party’s efforts in Edo State. Orbih, an ally of Wike, is accused of working with the former Rivers State Governor to undermine the party in Edo State.
A source within the PDP National Working Committee (NWC) revealed that Wike is behind the party’s ordeal in Edo State, funding and fueling the crises. The source alleged that Wike is seeking to undermine Governor Godwin Obaseki and pave the way for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take control.
The sources said the leadership of the party is concerned about Wike’s actions, which are seen as similar to his involvement in the Rivers State crisis.
According to a source who is a member of the party NWC, “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.”
