A new faction has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State ahead of the governorship election, led by National Vice Chairman (South-South) Dan Orbih. The faction has declared its opposition to the candidacy of Asue Ighodalo, the party’s flag bearer.

Orbih has also rejected his appointment to the governorship campaign council, citing lack of consultation. He stated, “Nobody told me of any governorship campaign council membership in Edo PDP. I am not aware of it.”

Orbih, an ally of Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has been at odds with Governor Godwin Obaseki since the latter took over the PDP structure in the state. Other PDP members have expressed dissatisfaction with Obaseki’s alleged imposition of Ighodalo as the party’s candidate.

Yesterday, Orbih hosted a meeting of the Legacy Coalition stakeholders at his country home, where he denounced his membership in the governorship campaign council. He declared that Obaseki and Ighodalo lacked the leadership qualities necessary for the state.

“Let me send a powerful message to PDP: we, the Edo PDP, can tell you that it is not well with Edo PDP,” Orbih said. “We will do all we can to let Edo people know that this election is about Edo and the future of Edo.”

Former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, who attended the meeting, echoed Orbih’s sentiments. “Edo people will not vote for Ighodalo because Edo State needs a home-grown person,” he said.

Former Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, also criticized the PDP’s management of its 2020 victory. He pledged to work with Orbih’s coalition in the upcoming election.

The meeting was attended by other top politicians, including Jude Imagwe, Damian Lawani, and Fred Attah. The faction’s emergence threatens to divide the PDP and potentially impact the outcome of the governorship race.