The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has suspended its National Vice Chairman (South-South) Dan Orbih, for allegedly sabotaging the party’s efforts during the Edo gubernatorial election.
Aside from that, the party’s NWC has set up a six-man committee to investigate the anti-party allegations leveled against Orbih, to ascertain his actions during the primary which had become a source for legal battle in the state.
Orbih’s suspension on Wednesday came barely a month after the Edo chapter of the PDP expelled him and the Deputy Governor, Phillip Shuaibu, for allegedly engaging in anti-party activities during the run to the gubernatorial primary in the state.
The party’s suspension hammer fell on Orbih, who was identified as a close ally to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, during the PDP NWC’s 588th meeting while considering issues affecting the party’s peace and harmony.
It was learnt that complaints on the activities of the National Vice Chairman concerning the September 21, 2024 Governorship election in Edo State were examined especially after PDP members in Edo raised concerns over his loyalty to the party.
In a statement released by the National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the party’s NWC at the meeting unanimously condemned the embarrassing actions and utterances of Orbih relating to the Edo State Governorship Primary Election.
According to the statement, “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), 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”.
