The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the purported suspension of its National Vice Chairman, South-South, Dan Orbih as null and void.
Infopowerng reports that Orbih and some other officials of the party were on Thursday suspended by loyalists of Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Orbih , an ally of Governor Nyesom Wike, has been dagger-drawn with Obaseki, who decamped to the PDP on the eve of the 2020 Edo governorship election, over issues of appointments of party members in the PDP controlled Edo government.
The political disagreement, which is said to be mainly hinged on the governor’s decision to sideline “old PDP members” from the affairs of the state, culminated in the suspension of Orbih by Edo North executive of the party on Thursday.
But a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, described the suspension as invalid.
The statement read : “The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) notes with serious concerns, the pronouncements of certain members in the Edo state chapter of the party.
” While the national leadership notes the issues and complaints raised by stakeholders in Edo state, it however charges the chapter to be guided by the provisions of the Constitution of our great party, with regard to imposition of sanctions on party officers at any level stressing that the rules are clear and must be adhered to.
“Consequently, the purported suspension of the National Vice Chairman, South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of our party, by the Edo North Senatorial leadership of the party, is statutorily beyond its powers, and to that effect a nullity.
“The NWC however assures that it is taking strong steps to ensure amicable resolution of all issues and ensure that the interests of all member in the chapter are protected.
” The NWC urges all members in Edo state to remain united and focused, especially at this time that Nigerians are looking up to our party for direction ahead of the 2023 general elections.”
