The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is grappling with a fresh crisis as state leaders call for the resignation of the state chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi. The demand comes in response to an alleged viral video where Aziegbemi is seen endorsing the candidacy of Edo Central for the party’s gubernatorial ticket in the upcoming 2024 election.
Amidst the looming 2024 election, the Edo PDP has been embroiled in a series of conflicts, leading prominent figures like Senator Mathew Urhogide, Kenneth Imasuagbon, former Minister of Works Mike Onolememhe, and Gideon Ikhine, among others, to exit the party.
This new crisis surfaces just 48 hours after the PDP unveiled its timetable for the state’s 2024 governorship election. The leaders contend that Aziegbemi’s actions indicate support for a candidate from Edo Central, creating discord within the party.
In the viral video, Aziegbemi is heard stating, “It is now time to keep our eyes on the ball. From now on, it is for all of us to queue behind the governor so that we can make that right choice, and PDP should remain in Osadebey Avenue and make sure that man or woman is one of our own, is of Esan extraction.”
Martins Osakue, speaking on behalf of party leaders in Oredo Local Government Area, expressed concerns about Aziegbemi’s stance, calling on the National Working Committee to take necessary actions. Osakue emphasized that if Aziegbemi refuses to step aside, the committee should remove him and allow him to be a mere observer.
Aziegbemi defended himself, asserting that members have the democratic right to express their views on party matters. He clarified that his statement reflected a personal wish for the next governor to come from Edo Central, acknowledging that delegates would ultimately determine the candidate’s origin.
In a related development, protesters under the PDP National Back (PDP-NB) banner marched to 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.
The group criticized the NWC’s failure to discipline former Rivers State Governor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and his G-5 members for their anti-party activities during the last election, claiming a lack of leadership capacity. If the NWC refuses to resign, the group plans to pursue legal action.
He said, “We will institute legal action against them and ensure that we follow all legal means to push them out.”
Ada Peter
