The ongoing crisis within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) escalated on Wednesday with the announcement of the expulsion of three prominent members: Dan Orbih, Philip Shaibu, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama.
The expulsion was announced by the state executives led by Anthony Aziegbemi. Dan Orbih serves as the National Vice Chairman South-South of the PDP, Philip Shaibu is the former deputy governor of Edo State, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama is a two-time lawmaker and the former representative of the Oredo Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.
Ogie Vasco, the State Publicity Secretary, issued a statement from Benin City confirming the expulsion. He stated that the decision, effective immediately, was based on accusations of anti-party activities.
The State Working Committee (SWC) ratified their suspensions and subsequent expulsions during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat on Airport Road, Benin City, with nine SWC members present.
Vasco detailed, “The SWC extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to expel with immediate effect Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South-South, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, and upheld the expulsion of Hon Ogbeide-Ihama from Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.”
Reacting to the expulsion, Chief Dan Orbih dismissed the actions as irrelevant, attributing them to “idle persons and busybodies.” In a telephone interview, he said, “When a group of persons who are idle and have nothing to do sit down to make pronouncements that are unconstitutional, it only shows that they are ignorant of the constitution of the party. They don’t have any power to even suspend or expel anybody without strictly following the provisions of the party’s constitution.”
Additionally, the Oredo Local Government chapter of the PDP rejected the expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama by Ward 2 leaders. The local government chairman, Mr. Oduwa Igbinosun, labeled the expulsion by Lawrence Aguebor and his group as invalid. Igbinosun emphasized that Lawrence Aguebor, an ex-official of the ward, lacked the authority to suspend or expel any member.
Moreover, the PDP Ward 2 executives also disowned the suspension and expulsion claims. Mr. Jesuobo Obadigie, the ward’s secretary, stated, “It is expected that anyone who loves the party should, at this point, be focused on actions that will unite the party ahead of the September governorship elections.”
Ward chairman Prince Elemah also denied any involvement, affirming that Ogbeide-Ihama remains a leader within the party. In a statement, the ward executives unanimously declared their support for Ogbeide-Ihama, highlighting his ongoing prominence and leadership within the PDP.