At a factional congress held in Benin City, Chief Dan Orbih—National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—addressed glaring divisions within the Edo State chapter of the party and criticized those he blamed for weakening its unity.
Blame on Obaseki: Orbih asserted that former Governor Godwin Obaseki, upon joining the PDP, “destroyed everything that was good in the PDP,” sowing deep discord and eroding internal cohesion.
Poor Outcomes from Internal Crisis: He linked the party’s underperformance in recent by-elections to leadership failures and internal fractures.
Dismissal of Rival Faction’s Call to Boycott: Orbih rejected calls by a rival faction that members boycott the congress, urging faithful to remain focused on rebuilding the PDP in Edo State.
Call for Credible Leadership: He implored delegates to choose leaders of integrity and capacity—those who would not “sell out” or deny members their rights.
Renewal and Repositioning: Orbih framed the factional congress as an opportunity to reposition the party, attract new members, and reinforce democratic ideals within PDP Edo.
The congress saw Nosa Ogieva elected as state chairman, along with 13 others to fill the state executive.
This move deepened an existing schism between two factions: one loyal to Orbih (sometimes called the “Legacy Group”) and another aligned with Obaseki.
The rival faction, which had earlier held its own congress and revalidated Tony Aziegbemi as chairman, dismissed Orbih’s congress as lacking legitimacy.
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