Edo PDP Faces Fresh Crisis as Leaders Demand Chairman’s Resignation

• Edo PDP leaders call for Chairman Aziegbemi’s resignation over a video endorsing a gubernatorial aspirant, citing compromise of neutrality
• Protesters at PDP national secretariat demand NWC’s resignation, alleging failure to discipline figures like Wike for anti-party activities

The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with a new crisis as party leaders call for the resignation of the state chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi. The demand is linked to a viral video where Aziegbemi appears to endorse the candidacy of an aspirant from Edo Central for the party’s gubernatorial ticket in the 2024 election.

This development follows a series of crises within the Edo PDP, leading to prominent figures like Senator Mathew Urhogide, Kenneth Imasuagbon, former Minister of Works Mike Onolememhe, Gideon Ikhine, and two ex-commissioners in Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration, among others, leaving the party.

The party leaders allege that Aziegbemi’s actions in the video indicate his support for a candidate from Edo Central, compromising his position as chairman. Martins Osakue, speaking on behalf of PDP leaders in Oredo Local Government Area, called on the National Working Committee to take appropriate action, suggesting Aziegbemi recuse himself or be removed if he refuses.

In response, Aziegbemi defended his statement in the video, asserting that it was his personal wish for the next governor to come from Edo Central. He emphasized that delegates would ultimately determine the candidate’s origin.

Meanwhile, protesters under the banner of PDP National Back (PDP-NB) demonstrated at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, demanding the resignation of the acting national chairman, Amb. Umar Damagum, and other members of the National Working Committee (NWC). The group cited the NWC’s failure to discipline figures like Nyesom Wike for alleged anti-party activities during the last election as a reason for their demand. If the NWC refuses to resign, the protesters indicated they would pursue legal action.