The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State is currently facing a severe internal crisis, as top-ranking party official Dan Orbih, the factional National Vice Chairman (South-South), has publicly blamed former Governor Godwin Obaseki for the turmoil plaguing the party.
In a recent media interview, Orbih — a prominent political ally of Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike — criticized Obaseki’s leadership, alleging that his actions have brought “unprecedented disaster” upon the PDP in the state.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Party Defections
According to Orbih, the PDP under Obaseki’s influence has experienced widespread instability, marked by internal divisions and mass defections. He accused Obaseki of eroding trust within the party’s rank and file, causing loyal members to abandon the platform.
The political rift has reportedly deepened due to ongoing tensions between Obaseki and Wike, with party members splitting into factions that align with either of the two influential figures. This growing division has significantly weakened the party’s structure and credibility in the state.
Power Struggle at the Heart of the Crisis
The crisis in Edo PDP is not a recent development. It stems from long-standing grievances related to leadership disputes and control of party structures. Orbih’s latest remarks reflect a broader discontent among certain factions of the party, who argue that Obaseki’s integration into the PDP following his defection from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2020 has destabilized the party’s cohesion in Edo.
The feud has also drawn in Acting PDP National Chairman Umar Damagum, whom Orbih criticized for allegedly failing to address the issues head-on.
Implications for the 2027 General Elections
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the internal conflict within Edo PDP could pose a significant threat to the party’s electoral performance. A divided party will struggle to mount an effective campaign or unify its support base in a politically competitive environment.
The Edo PDP crisis reflects a broader trend of disunity within the national PDP structure, which has been struggling to regain its footing since losing federal power in 2015. The unresolved tensions between influential party stakeholders such as Wike and Obaseki signal deeper issues of trust, structure, and strategic direction.
Urgent Need for Reconciliation and Reform
Political observers and party loyalists have called for immediate intervention and reconciliation efforts to heal the cracks in the Edo PDP. Without a swift and inclusive resolution, the crisis may deepen further, affecting not only the party’s state-level strength but also its national relevance.
The party’s leadership faces a critical test: Can it broker peace among its top influencers, restore internal democracy, and rebuild public trust in its ability to govern effectively?
The next few months will be crucial for the PDP in Edo and beyond, as it attempts to reorganize and reposition itself in a fast-evolving political landscape.