Wike-backed faction secure PDP leadership in Edo, Bayelsa
Posted by Titinaija on April 23, 2025
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The allies of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, have tightened their grip on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-South, as the party’s zonal leadership on Tuesday dissolved its Bayelsa and Edo state leadership structures.
Following a meeting at the PDP South-South zonal secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the South-South Zonal Working Committee, led by National Vice Chairman Chief Dan Orbih, cited gross misconduct, internal crises, and underperformance as reasons for the move.
The Bayelsa State Working Committee, chaired by Solomon Agwanana, was formally disbanded, while the caretaker committee in Edo, headed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, was replaced. New caretaker committees have been appointed in both states to serve for an initial three-month period.
Despite reported resistance from the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC), the Orbih-led group pushed forward with the changes, which are widely interpreted as a consolidation of power by Wike’s faction within the party.
George Turnah, a close associate of Wike and organiser of an upcoming rally in honour of President Bola Tinubu and Wike, has been named chairman of the Bayelsa caretaker committee. In Edo, Nosa Ogieva now leads the state committee, with Chief Sunny Okomayin as deputy chairman and Hillary Otsu as secretary.
In a statement, Zonal Publicity Secretary Etim Isong explained that the restructuring is aimed at repositioning the party for future electoral success, particularly after the PDP’s poor performance in the last Edo governorship election.
“The decision to dissolve the previous leaderships and constitute new caretaker committees followed a comprehensive review of party affairs in Bayelsa and Edo. This action is in line with the PDP constitution and is necessary to restore discipline, unity, and strategic direction,” the statement read.
It referenced several provisions from the amended 2017 PDP constitution to justify the restructuring, including articles relating to disciplinary measures and leadership accountability.
Other key appointments in Bayelsa include Tony Gabriel as deputy chairman, former Ijaw Youth Council spokesman Ebilade Ekerefe as secretary, and Didi Werilaghebofa as vice chairman (Central). Andy Majors will serve as vice chairman (East), Evelyn Bolouebi Odi as vice chairman (West), and Biobelemoye Ogoniwari as treasurer.
In Edo, Ehisota Oriakhi was named vice chairman (Central), Richard Ehimigbai vice chairman (North), and Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye treasurer.
The shake-up marks a significant shift in internal power dynamics ahead of upcoming elections, with observers watching closely how the national leadership of the PDP will respond.
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