⁃ Constitutes Reconciliation Committee to resolve issues between Gov. Obaseki and Dan Orbih groups
In a significant preparatory move towards the Edo State 2024 governorship election, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convened a meeting with key leaders from the Edo State chapter of the party.
The meeting, held at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, served as a forum to discuss strategies and set the stage for future actions.
Ambassador Damagun, the Acting National Chairman of PDP, emphasized the longstanding relationship between Edo State and the PDP, calling for open, respectful dialogue among leaders.
The National Organizing Secretary, Hon. Umar Bature, outlined the primary election timeline and associated activities.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo State PDP Chairman, acknowledged the party’s significant achievements in the state under Governor Godwin Obaseki’s leadership and expressed optimism for the upcoming governorship polls.
He also recognized the urgent need for unity and cooperation within the party to maintain its strong presence in Edo State, and asked for forgiveness from everyone that he might have offended in his role as State Party Chairman.
His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki, expressed gratitude to the PDP for its support and committed to contributing to the party’s reconciliation efforts.
The Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu stated that he had lost confidence in the State Chairman, alleging that the chairman was caught on tape saying he believed the next Governor of the State should come from Edo Central.
The Acting National Chairman immediately responded by saying the recent Plateau court judgements meant the Party must tread very carefully in dealing with matters of party offices; and that more importantly the State Chairman has no role in the conduct of primaries; as they were the sole responsibility of the National Working Committee.
At the end of deliberations Amb. Damagun noted that it was clear from the general observations of leaders and aspirants present that the issues were clearly about disagreements between the Governor and Chief Orbih.
He therefore announced that a reconciliation committee composed of himself, Gov. Obaseki, Chief Orbih and 4 other nominated leaders will be immediately established to examine the issues raised and suggest solutions the house must abide by.
This committee, he said, would be charged with the facilitation of genuine reconciliation within this party, as emphasized by the PDP South-South Zonal chairman, Chief Dan Orbih in his vote of thanks.
In his contribution to proceedings, Gov. Lucky Igbinedion emphasized that this meeting and the formation of the reconciliation committee were preliminary steps.
He said: “There can be no finalized deal or agreement at this stage, because these matters are complex and long-standing.”
But he added that he was encouraged by the spirit of camaraderie in the room; and was therefore confident the National Chairman would be able to reconcile the aggrieved parties.
The meeting was a largely peaceful one; with the only flashpoint being a scuffle caught on camera outside the meeting hall between Osaro Onaiwu, one of the aspirants, and an unidentified young man.
Among the attendees from Edo State were Governor Godwin Obaseki, Deputy Governor Philip Shuaibu, Gov. Igbinedion, Chief Dan Orbih, Chief Tom Ikimi, Asue Ighodalo, Anslem Ojezua, Sen. Odia and various other prominent party leaders and governorship aspirants.
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