Edo Guber: Group Fumes, Tackles Orbih Over Comments Against Ighodalo

A group called Edo South Vanguard for Equity and Justice (ESVEJ) has accused Chief Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of fanning the flames of dissatisfaction within the party by using expletives against Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate for governor.

He is a stranger, and calling him “someone who joined the party,” according to the group, “doesn’t demonstrate the true love and unity which the party is known for over the years.”

The group claimed to be reacting to a video that had been made public and showed the former state party chairman speaking at what appeared to be a gathering in his parlour.

In the video, the chairman said that Edo PDP delegates would not support an aspirant who had recently joined the party and was receiving support from Governor Godwin Obaseki—clearly alluding to Dr. Asue Ighodalo.

The organisation is requesting Chief Orbih to identify the delegates under his influence, claiming that the Ogbona-born politician can only exert authority over delegates from his village compound, according to a press release signed by Pastor Johnson Adole, the group’s organiser.

The statement says: “We watch in total dismay and astonishment, Chief Dan Orbih, the national vice chairman of our great party, PDP, speaking to a group of party faithful in his living room. He openly attacks Governor Godwin Obaseki, accusing him of imposing Asue Ighodalo on the party, with so much bitterness in his speech.”

“We, as a group have concluded that the respected leader should embrace peace and allow the unity currently being experienced in the party to continue.

“Godwin Obaseki is not imposing any candidate on the party but advises the governor not to dignify the unwanted attack with any response and to stay focused on his efforts at transforming the state so he doesn’t get distracted

“That Asue Ighodalo has the right to aspire for any position in Nigeria and of course in Edo state as well, being a free-born citizen of the state”.

The group in its statement maintained that Chief Orbih has no monopoly over PDP delegates and as such, does not reserve the power he is arrogating to himself.

The statement alleged that Chief Dan Orbih is known to be openly moving against the Esan governorship, which negates the doctrine of equity, justice, and fairness that this organization stands for.

It stated further that Orbih should be advised to allow peace to be sustained in the party as he is a known politician who loves being in opposition even when his party is in government.