As the political atmosphere heats up with the approach of the gubernatorial election on September 21 in Edo State, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is witnessing a deepening divide.
A faction within the Edo PDP, led by notable figures like Dan Orbih, Philip Shaibu, and Kabiru Adjoto, has emerged, challenging the leadership of Governor Obaseki and the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Dan Orbih, the PDP’s South-south National Vice Chairman, publicly withdrew from the party’s campaign council during a meeting with Edo North PDP (Legacy) leaders at his residence in Ogbona, Etsako Central LGA.
He questioned the capability of the current PDP leadership and Ighodalo to govern Edo State effectively and vowed that the legacy faction would support a candidate who genuinely represents the state’s populace.
“I Chief Dan Orbih worked with Governor Obaseki to deliver him. People ask me questions: where are we today, what is the way forward?
“Today, I can boldly tell you the issue before us is what is the way forward? Let me tell you all is not well with Edo State PDP.
“As we prepare and move forward for the upcoming election we will do all we can to let Edo people know that this election is about Edo and the future of Edo.
“Let me send a powerful message to PDP, we the Edo PDP can tell you that it is not well with Edo PDP,” he said.
Orbih expressed his disillusionment with Governor Obaseki, accusing him of neglecting the faction that supported his re-election since joining the party in 2020.
He also denounced the political removal of Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and pledged solidarity with him.
“Shaibu political travail is coming as a result of politics. We here today want to let the good people of Edo North know that we support you, appreciate you and in the matter between you and the Edo State government we stand by you.
“I am aware and convinced Philip Shaibu has taken his case to determine whether the governor was right or wrong. As for the PDP legacy group we are proud of Philip Shaibu,” Orbih added.
Kabiru Adjoto, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, criticized Obaseki’s management of the party post-2020 election victory, accusing him of favoring individuals who did not contribute to the win. Adjoto committed to aligning with Orbih’s faction in the upcoming election, echoing the sentiments of his supporters in Akoko Edo.
Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor, also aligned with Orbih’s legacy group, emphasizing the need for a local candidate who understands the state’s challenges.
“We will not vote for an outsider in Edo State. Edo State needs a homegrown person; I want to assure you that we are in support of Chief Dan Orbih’s legacy group.
“We will not support Asue Ighodalo, but wait for the direction of the PDP legacy group on who to vote for,” Shaibu said.
The meeting saw the attendance of other influential leaders, signaling a united front within the legacy faction against the current PDP gubernatorial candidate, Asue Ighodalo, and setting the stage for a contentious election period in Edo State.
