The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) South-South Zonal Working Committee on Tuesday dissolved the Bayelsa State Working Committee, led by Solomon Agwanana, and replaced the Edo State Caretaker Committee, headed by Dr. Tony Aziegbemi.
The committee, chaired by Chief Dan Orbih, made the announcement after a meeting at the zonal secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Orbih cited gross misconduct, poor performance, and the mishandling of internal crises as reasons for the decision. New caretaker committees have been appointed to oversee party activities in both states for the next three months.
The leadership shake-up proceeded despite disapproval from the PDP National Working Committee. Orbih’s actions are widely believed to have the backing of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Earlier on April 16, Orbih had donated a new secretariat to the Edo State chapter and warned the Aziegbemi-led committee against acting as party leaders.
In Bayelsa, George Turnah, an ally of Wike and organiser of a rally in honour of President Bola Tinubu and Wike, has been named caretaker chairman, replacing Agwanana. In Edo, Nosa Ogieva has taken over as chairman, while Chief Sunny Okomayin becomes deputy chairman and Hillary Otsu is the new secretary.
Zonal Publicity Secretary Etim Isong stated that the restructuring aims to stabilise and reposition the party ahead of future elections, especially after what he described as a poor outing in the last Edo governorship poll. He said the committee’s decision followed a thorough review of developments in both states and was backed by provisions in the PDP constitution amended in 2017.
Other members of the new Bayelsa caretaker committee include Tony Gabriel as deputy chairman, Ebilade Ekerefe as secretary, Didi Werilaghebofa as vice chairman (Central), Andy Majors as vice chairman (East), Evelyn Bolouebi Odi as vice chairman (West), and Biobelemoye Ogoniwari as treasurer.
In Edo, Ehisota Oriakhi has been appointed vice chairman (Central), Richard Ehimigbai as vice chairman (North), and Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye as treasurer.
