The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) announced on Wednesday the expulsion of former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu and National Vice Chairman (South-South) Dan Orbih for alleged anti-party activities.

This decision was communicated through a statement by the party’s state publicity secretary, Ogie Vasco, issued from Benin. Vasco detailed that Omorgie Ihama, a former House of Representatives member for Oredo Federal Constituency, was also expelled on similar grounds.

The expulsion decision was reportedly made during a State Working Committee (SWC) meeting attended by nine of its members. “The SWC has extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to expel, with immediate effect, Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South-South,” Vasco stated. “It also decided to expel Philip Shaibu and upheld the expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama from Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area.”

In response to his expulsion, Orbih argued that the SWC lacks the authority to suspend a member of the National Working Committee or expel any member without following the party’s constitutional provisions.

“When a group of persons sits down to make pronouncements that are unconstitutional, it only shows that they are ignorant of the constitution of the party. That is all I have to say about that and nothing more,” Orbih told journalists.