War in Edo PDP over purported plans to defect to APC

The two factions of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Edo State are at daggers drawn with one another. 

The implosion, which commenced on the evening of the Workers’ Day celebration, actually reared its head when a notice calling for a meeting of its leaders purportedly went viral on social media platforms. 

The notice purportedly signed by one Hillary E. Otsu, State Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker- Committee, went thus: “Dear respected Edo State PDP Leader, you are invited to attend an important meeting to discuss and make decisions regarding our movement to APC. Date: Sunday 04/05/25

Time: 1pm Venue: 3 Ize Iyamu drive, off Adesuwa Rd, GRA, Benin City. Please be punctual.”

However, responding to the notice through Henry Duke Tenebe, its Secretary, the other faction of the party under the leadership of Tony Aziegbemi said: “Dear Esteemed PDP members, It has come to our attention that a notice is currently being circulated regarding a purported PDP leaders’ meeting scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025, allegedly signed by Mr. Hillary Otsu as State Secretary.

“We wish to categorically state that Mr. Otsu is neither a member nor the Secretary of the State Caretaker Committee. Consequently, the said meeting was not convened by nor is it recognized by the State Caretaker Committee ably led by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.

“All PDP members are hereby advised to disregard the notice, as it does not emanate from the legitimate leadership of the party in the state.”

In the midst of the hoolaballo, another notice mimicking the one earlier said to have emanated from the Chief Dan Orbih faction came into the picture saying “Dear respected Edo State PDP Leader, you are invited to attend an important meeting as follows: Date: Saturday 03/05/25 Time: 12 noon. Venue: 22 Sapele Road, opposite Kada Plaza, Benin City. Agenda: To review the Party situation in Edo state and make decisions on aligning with APC just like Delta State.” This notice was purportedly signed by Chris Osa Nehikhare, Publicity SecretaryEdo PDP Caretaker Committee led by Tony Aziegbemi. 

In its reaction to the situation one Bob-Manuel Umoru, said to be the State Publicity Secretary, Edo PDP Caretaker led by Chief Dan Orbih lampooned Henry Tenebe describing him as an impostor.

“Let us stay united, focused, and vigilant as we work towards rebuilding our party and restoring the confidence of the people in our collective vision,” Bob Manuel Umoru stated.