National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the South-South, Chief Dan Orbih, has stated that FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is not the root of the party’s internal challenges.
According to Orbih, the real issues stem from individuals who repeatedly vie for presidential tickets without adhering to the constitutional provisions of the party.
Speaking during the official handover of a new PDP state secretariat—which he personally donated—Orbih emphasised that rebuilding the party must involve new, sincere leadership and unity among members.
“Wike is not the party’s problem,” Orbih said.
“The real issue is those who want to run every time without following the party’s constitutional guidelines. We must put our differences aside and work with genuine party members to rebuild and reposition the PDP.”
Orbih, also the leader of the PDP Legacy Group in Edo, made the remarks at the commissioning of the new state secretariat in Benin City. The new office comes after the party was evicted from its former location in January 2025, a move he said left members homeless and disillusioned.
“From January until today, Edo PDP has had no state secretariat. The party has operated without a physical office or a known central location. Today marks a new chapter,” he said.
He called on the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun, to organise congresses aimed at ushering in leaders capable of restoring the party’s credibility and strength.
In a strongly worded statement, Orbih also discredited the Edo PDP Caretaker Committee, asserting that they lack constitutional legitimacy.
“From this day forward, we will not acknowledge any statements unless they come from those who will be managing PDP in Edo,” he said.
Reflecting on the party’s decline in Edo State, Orbih lamented the loss of influence.
“Today, PDP has no senator, only one House of Representatives member, and we have lost the governorship to the APC,” he said.
Despite the internal rifts, Orbih commended Governor Monday Okpebholo of the APC for his humility and respectful approach to governance.
“Today, we are seeing a different act of governance. We appreciate what you are doing and we urge you to continue,” he said.
