In a major shakeup within the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the party has expelled former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, National Vice Chairman (South South) Dan Orbih, and former House of Representatives member Omorgie Ogbeide-Ihama.
The expulsions were announced on Tuesday by the state Publicity Secretary, Ogie Vasco, following a meeting of the State Working Committee. Vasco cited the trio’s involvement in “anti-party activities” as the reason for the disciplinary action.
Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama were expelled for openly supporting the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Monday Okpebholo, in the recent election. Dan Orbih, on the other hand, was dismissed from the party after being appointed to a board by President Bola Tinubu, an APC member.
The decision to expel the high-profile PDP members was made by nine members of the State Working Committee during a meeting held at the party’s secretariat in Benin City.
This development is seen as a major blow to the PDP in Edo State, as Shaibu, Orbih, and Ogbeide-Ihama were considered influential figures within the party. Their expulsion is likely to have significant implications for the party’s political standing and future in the state.
Neither the expelled members nor the PDP national leadership have issued any statements regarding the matter at the time of reporting.