Zonal PDP Dissolves Excos in Bayelsa, Edo Over Misconduct and Election Failures
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nigeria’s South-South zone has dissolved its State Working Committee in Bayelsa and the caretaker committee in Edo, citing gross misconduct, internal crises, and poor electoral performance.
This was made known following a zonal meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong, announced the dissolution and the appointment of caretaker committees.
In Bayelsa, the former SWC led by Solomon Agwana was sacked, with George Turnah named as Caretaker Chairman for three months. In Edo, Tony Aziegbemi was replaced by Nosa Ogieva as the party seeks to reposition ahead of upcoming political cycles.
⚠️ Zonal PDP: Misconduct and Internal Crisis Behind Shakeup
The South-South PDP explained that the decision was based on:
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Breaches of the party’s constitution
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Poor handling of internal disputes
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Disastrous performance in the Edo governorship election
“The party’s structure in both states has failed. This move is to stabilize our foundations and ensure credible leadership going forward,” said Isong.
🔁 Edo PDP Fights Back: “Orbih Has No Authority”
Meanwhile, a dramatic twist emerged in Benin City where the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee accused Dan Orbih, PDP’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), of operating outside the party’s legal framework.
Speaking to journalists, the caretaker publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, discredited Orbih’s earlier claim that he had dissolved the state’s party executives.
“Dan Orbih has no such powers. Only the National Working Committee (NWC) can set up or dissolve caretaker structures. His actions lack constitutional backing,” Nehikhare stated.
🧨 “Orbih Now Runs the APC Arm of PDP” – Nehikhare
In an explosive remark, Nehikhare accused Orbih of aligning with the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that his consistent praise of the APC-led government in Edo raises questions about his loyalty.
“He’s now effectively working with the APC,” Nehikhare claimed. “He does not represent the interest of the PDP anymore.”
He also clarified that Emmanuel Ogidi, not Dan Orbih, heads the South-South PDP Caretaker Committee, adding that no formal congress has been held to change that leadership.
📌 Conclusion
As the PDP tries to clean house ahead of a tense political season, these latest events reveal deeper fault lines within the party’s South-South structure. The battle for the soul of Edo PDP may only just be beginning, and Dan Orbih’s political allegiances are now under serious scrutiny
