YENAGOA — The lingering crisis within the South-South zone of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a dramatic turn, as the Bayelsa State chapter of the party has outrightly rejected the dissolution of its executive committee by the Dan Orbih-led zonal leadership, declaring the move as invalid and unconstitutional.
In a statement issued by the Bayelsa State PDP Publicity Secretary, Ebiye Agu Ogoli, the party in the state described the dissolution as “frivolous” and “mischievous,” insisting that the zonal executive led by Orbih no longer has the authority to take such actions. According to Ogoli, the tenure of the Orbih-led zonal leadership officially ended on March 13, 2025.
The controversy follows a resolution passed by the PDP South-South Zonal Working Committee during a meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Presided over by National Vice-Chairman Dan Orbih, the zonal committee announced the dissolution of the party’s state working committees in both Edo and Bayelsa states. Caretaker committees were subsequently appointed to take over party affairs in both states for an interim period of three months.
According to a statement released by the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Prince Etim Isong, the decision was taken in response to alleged acts of “gross misconduct” and constitutional breaches by the state chapters. The committee said the move was necessary to restore order and integrity within the party.
However, Bayelsa PDP leaders have challenged the legal basis of that decision. Ogoli stated that the appointment of a caretaker committee at the zonal level is null and void, as the Orbih-led executive no longer holds any legitimate authority following the expiration of its mandate in March.
He emphasized that a caretaker leadership headed by Emmanuel Ogidi was already appointed by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) on March 13, 2025, to oversee the South-South zone pending an elective congress. The Ogidi-led committee, according to Bayelsa PDP, is the only legitimate authority recognized by the national leadership.
“The Bayelsa PDP remains united under the leadership of Solomon Agwanana,” Ogoli stated. “Any attempt to destabilize the party through illegal pronouncements will be met with appropriate resistance. The state chapter is not deterred by the antics of individuals acting outside the bounds of the party’s constitution.”
This latest escalation highlights ongoing internal strife within the PDP’s South-South zone and raises questions about the effectiveness of the party’s internal conflict resolution mechanisms. As tensions mount, stakeholders within the party have called for immediate intervention from the national leadership to restore harmony and prevent further fragmentation.
With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, party insiders warn that unresolved leadership disputes could weaken the PDP’s electoral prospects in a region considered one of its strongholds.
