PDP NWC Courts More Troubles Over Edo Guber Race

• Sacks South South Zonal Committee
• Obaseki emerges consensus candidate

BY EDMOND ODOK, ABUJA – The decision of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’ National Working Committee (NWC) to send its South South Zonal Committee packing from office may have stirred up a hornet’s nest with disquiets running high among some aggrieved party members

The action, considered a subtle move to pacify contending political forces ahead of the Edo State governorship elections slated for September 19, 2020, is not going down well with some interest groups within the NWC and the Party’s South South caucus.

In place of the sacked zonal body, the country’s main opposition party has already announced a new Caretaker Committee to take charge of affairs for the next three months.

Party insiders said the NWC’s decision may not be unconnected with fears expressed in some quarters that particular members of the dissolved committee were allegedly enjoying the backing of a powerful governor in the Niger Delta region and may have been compromised in their mandate delivery.

Insiders confirmed that with the loyalty of these members to the NWC and the party largely suspect, the PDP Leadership had to act fast to bring on board trusted hands in readiness for the Edo state governorship battle.

But PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in denying the claims, said; “The action of the NWC is pursuant to Sections 29 (2)(b) and 31(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution (2017 as amended).”

According to him; “The newly constituted South South Zonal Caretaker Committee, which is chaired by Chief Dan Orbi, is to pilot the affairs of the party in the South South Zone for a period not exceeding three months (90) days as prescribed by section 32(2)(e) of the PDP Constitution.’

He further stated that; “The NWC enjoins all members of our great party in the South South zone to continue to work harmoniously, especially as the party works with the people of Edo state for a successful governorship election in September.”

However, a competent source hinted that something urgent needed to be done to avert further crisis in the fold with the PDP National Secretariat failing in the attempt to assuage the frayed nerves of Governor, Nyesom Wike through the recent press statement by its Spokesperson, Mr Ologbondiyan

The source said the PDP NWC’s egg-heads decided on dissolving the South South Committee to checkmate some officers considered as close associates of the outspoken Rivers State Chief Executive.

And the Chief Orbih-led team was therefore hurriedly put together with so-called loyalists to drive the process, having the Edo gubernatorial election in view, especially with the emergence of Governor Godwin Obaseki as the PDP’s consensus candidate for the poll.