There are indications that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) may ratify the expulsion of its Vice Chairman (South-South), Chief Dan Orbih, for anti-party activity.
Orbih was reportedly expelled by the Edo State chapter for allegedly working for the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Party source told this newspaper that the national secretariat has been inundated with petitions and complains against Orbih, demanding that he should be made to face the National Disciplinary Committee.
According to the source, “the NWC (National Working Commission) has been receiving reports on series of anti-party activities against Orbih, including openly campaigning against the party and our candidate in Edo State.”
He said the PDP was embarrassed by a recent viral video where Orbih was allegedly seen jubilating over the report that an Abuja court invalidated the primary election that produced Dr Asue Ighodalo as the party’s flag bearer.
“Leaders of the PDP believe that by his actions, the National Vice Chairman who is also from Edo State has made it clear that he is not working in the interest of our party.
“This is a very grievous anti-party activity from a leader which the NWC should not condone,” he said.
Orbih had rejected his membership of the campaign council constituted by the state chapter for the governorship election.
The PDP source stated that Orbih as a member of NWC “knows the implication and consequences of his actions which is clearly spelt out in the Constitution of the PDP.”
He argued that his action was in contravention of “Sections 58 (1) (a) (b) (f) and (j) of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017).
“The question is, can he conduct himself in this manner and expect to continue to hold office as the National Vice Chairman or even as a member of the PDP?
“Section 59 (1) of the PDP Constitution provides for sanction including expulsion for offenses listed in 58 (1), which including engaging in anti-party activities among others.”
He disclosed that the matter will be discussed at the NWC meeting this week.
There have been calls on PDP to discipline its members engaging in anti-party activity.