The internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has taken a dramatic turn as the faction loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, elected a new state executive committee led by Nosa Ogieva.
The election, organized under the banner of the Legacy Group, took place during the group’s 2025 State Congress held in Benin City.
A total of 576 delegates from the 192 wards across the state participated in the congress, which saw 11 officers returned unopposed.
However, key positions including State Chairman, Secretary, and Deputy Chairman were contested by Tony Aziegbemi, Henry Tenebe, and Victor Enoghama respectively.
Following his emergence as chairman, Ogieva pledged to restore unity and electoral strength to the party. “This marks a new beginning for Edo PDP. We are committed to rebuilding, not just for ourselves, but for the future of the party in this state,” he said.
He called on all aggrieved members to set aside their differences and work collectively, emphasizing that loyalty and unity are the foundation of the PDP.
Chief Dan Orbih, leader of the Legacy Group and former PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), addressed delegates with a scathing critique of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, whom he blamed for the party’s internal divisions.
“We had a united PDP until Obaseki joined. His entry fractured the harmony we once enjoyed,” Orbih stated.
He further alleged that the party’s poor performance in recent by-elections was a direct result of Obaseki’s leadership style and the discord it created.
“For the first time, we’re witnessing mass defections of governors, senators, and lawmakers. This is not normal—it’s a crisis of leadership,” he said.
Orbih accused the rival faction of plotting to collapse the PDP in favor of a shift to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing them as “undertakers waiting to bury the party.”
He urged delegates to rally behind leaders with integrity and vision, warning that those who undermine party unity should not be part of the new direction.
The congress concluded with a renewed call for reconciliation, strategic rebuilding, and a commitment to reposition the PDP as a formidable political force in Edo State.
