Philip Shaibu Expelled from PDP After Impeachment

Philip Shaibu

PDP kicks out impeached Governor Philip Shaibu of Edo

Edo PDP cracks down on dissent, expels Philip Shaibu, Dan Orbih, and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama for supporting opposition party.

Philip Shaibu, the state's impeached deputy governor, was dismissed by the People's Democratic Party's Edo State Working Committee on Wednesday, June 19, due to purported anti-party conduct.

Furthermore, the PDP SWC supported Ward 2 in Oredo Local Government's decision to dismiss former House of Representatives member Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and ousted South-South Vice Chairman Dan Orbih.

The choices were chosen in Benin City, the state capital, at the PDP SWC meeting. Tony Aziegbemi, the Chairman of the Edo PDP, was present, along with seven other members of the SWC, Tony Anenih Jr. virtually joining them.

The three were expelled for anti-party activities, according to Aziegbemi, who also said there was no justification for keeping them in the PDP because they had made it clear they were leaving the party.

He declared that the party would not be impacted by their expulsion in the state's governorship race on September 21 and added that the PDP was in a strong position to win the polls.

The chairman of the Edo PDP remarked, “Dan Orbih was expelled because he has been asking members of the PDP to join the opposition party. He also took an appointment as the governing council member of a third-tier institution without recourse to the party before accepting the appointment.

“Shaibu donated about 15 vehicles to the All Progressives Congress and has also been abusing and disrespectful to the leaders of the party in the state. Someone who does these things cannot be termed a true party man.

“Also, Ogbeide-lhama donated his building on Sakponba Road to the APC for campaign purposes. The building currently bears the billboard of the APC candidate and his running mate.

“The party is working with other stakeholders to ensure that the party wins the election in September.”

Shaibu recently declared that he would back the APC in the governorship race on September 21 and referred to Asue Ighodalo, the PDP candidate, as an outsider and a product of godfatherism. This announcement led to the SWC's decision.

In the meanwhile, Governor Godwin Obaseki cannot influence or appoint a successor, as stated by the Edo PDP Legacy Group, led by Orbih.

The PDP leadership in Oredo Local Government Area objected to the SWC's decision to expel Ogbeide-lhama, which caused controversy. They proclaimed the expulsion to be void and pleaded with the individuals in charge not to cause disarray in the local administration.

The local government PDP chairman, Oduwa Igbinosun, addressed the alleged expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama on Wednesday following an emergency meeting in Benin.

He said that an anonymous group headed by Lawrence Aguebor brought the expulsion to the attention of the local government executive committee.

Igbinosun claimed that Aguebor, a former ward official, did not have the right to suspend or remove anyone, which is why the committee had to correct the record.

Igbinosun continued, stating that the party's National Working Committee has confirmed the caretaker committee's responsibilities and extended the terms of all elected executive committees.

The executives of PDP Ward 2 in Oredo Local Government also rejected the allegations of the two-term federal lawmaker's suspension and expulsion. The ward secretary, Jesuobo Obadigie, said that no such action had been taken on behalf of the executives.

Surrounded by the twelve ward executive members, Osayande said: “Honourable Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama remains not just a member, but a prominent and formidable leader of the party, and continues to enjoy the total support of the members in Ward 2.

“It is expected that anyone who loves the party should at this point be focused on actions that will unite the party ahead of the September governorship election.

“This is to warn mischief makers and impostors to desist from their criminal and divisive actions that could cause potential harm.”

Prince Elemah, the ward's PDP chairman, stated that he did not sign any paperwork disparaging the former member of the House of Representatives and that Ogbeide-lhama is still the group's head and legitimate representative.