The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) National Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, has been placed under suspension by the National Working Committee (NWC).
The decision was made at the 588th NWC meeting on Wednesday, according to a statement from the party’s national publicity secretary, Debo Ologunagba.
According to him, the NWC took into account all concerns, including grievances regarding Orbih’s actions in relation to the Edo State governorship election scheduled for September 21, 2024.
“The NWC at the meeting unanimously condemned the embarrassing actions and utterances of Chief Dan Orbih relating to the Edo State Governorship Primary Election of our great Party which actions and utterances are inconsistent with the provisions of the Constitution of the PDP (as amended in 2017) and the demand of his office as a national officer of the Party.
“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.
“The NWC acknowledges the support and solidarity of the overwhelming majority of the people of Edo State who are rallying with our Party and Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose vision is in tandem with the Will and aspiration of the people for continued massive development of the State on the platform of the PDP.
“The NWC charges all leaders, critical stakeholders and teeming members of our Party in Edo State to remain united, focused and continue to work hard for the victory of our Party and Candidate in the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State,” the statement read.
Since the primary election in September that resulted in the selection of Asue Ighodalo as the PDP’s candidate for the state’s governorship, the party has been embroiled in internal strife in Edo State.
In a ruling last week, Justice Inyang Ekwo invalidated the party’s primary after members who were unhappy with the results had taken it to court.
