Edo State Chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Dan Orbih has sounded an alarm that the continued endorsement of Governor Obaseki of the state by some PDP leaders represents threat to the prospect of the party in 2020 election, and therefore called on the party’s National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus to call such leaders to order.
Chief Orbih, in a petition to Chief Secondus, dated January 25, 2020, pointed out that with the crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, opinion polls conducted have shown that this year represents the brightest year for his party to take back power, having been in opposition since 2008.
Below is full text of the petition:
January 25, 2020
H.E. Chief Uche Secondus
The National Chairman,
People’s Democratic Party,PDP.
Wadata Plaza
Abuja
Your Excellency,
Compliments of the Season.
As you are aware, Edo State is holding its governorship election later in the year. Edo PDP has been in opposition in the state since 2008 and from the opinion polls we conducted, this year, 2020, represents our brightest chance of winning the state back.
The party in government is engrossed in a fierce battle of supremacy between the governor, Governor Obaseki and his national chairman Adams Oshiomhole. Their “fight” has seriously affected governance to the extent that even the state house of assembly only has 10 out of 24 members seating even though they won 24/24 seats in the last elections. Not fewer than 6 council chairmen have been sacked as well as at least 4 members of state executive council because of their “questionable loyalty”!
They have polarized their party beyond recognition. There is a gale of suspension going on in their party as the National Chairman, State chairman and even the Governor, Deputy Governor and the Secretary to the State Government have all been suspended by the rival factions in their party. Their party is therefore now immersed in court cases across the federation.
Your Excellency, this background was necessary so that you understand the pains we are going through in Edo when we hear leaders, members of the board of trustees and even some Governors uncharitable endorsement of APC embattled Governor Godwin Obaseki. The most recent of this is Governor David Umahi open endorsement of Godwin Obaseki for re-election.
This practice you will agree with us is condemnable and smacks of indiscipline and ingratitude. It defeats the spirit of camaraderie that is supposed to exist within a political party. It is a morale-damper and it’s unacceptable .
Your excellency, please use your office to call these leaders to order so that this open treachery doesn’t become a norm in our great party.
We thank you for the support and leadership you have always provided.
Be assured of our best wishes.
Chief Dan Osi Orbih
Chairman
PDP EDO STATE
