The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagum has reinstated Chief Dan Orbih into the PDP’s leadership, despite Orbih’s suspension in July 2024 over alleged anti-party activities.
Damagum’s decision according to claims by some NWC members was made without proper consultation and in direct defiance of an earlier party resolution. Orbih, who was the National Vice Chairman for the South-South, was suspended last July following accusations that he sabotaged the party’s candidate during the Edo State governorship election. The NWC had accused Orbih of colluding with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike to undermine Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s campaign, leading to the PDP’s loss in the election.
At the time of his suspension, Orbih was removed from all official party activities, including NWC meetings, and barred from the party’s WhatsApp platform. However, several NWC members were shocked to discover that Orbih had quietly been reinstated to the party’s leadership structure, with Damagum reportedly adding him back to the WhatsApp group without any official announcement or resolution. This move has sparked outrage, as Orbih’s suspension had never been formally lifted, and the findings of the investigative committee had yet to be reviewed.
An NWC member, who requested anonymity spoke to TRIBUNE, criticized Damagum’s handling of the situation, describing the reinstatement as “unilateral” and “lacking transparency.” The member added that the decision had created unnecessary internal strife. Damagum was unavailable for comment, as his phone remained switched off when contacted.
The situation has been further complicated by Orbih’s actions within the PDP’s South-South zone. Despite the NWC’s decision to postpone the South-South Zonal Congress for further consultations, Orbih organized a parallel congress in Calabar, Cross River State, on February 21, 2025. His faction, led by Acting Zonal Secretary George Turner, invited party members to the event, citing Article 28(3) of the PDP Constitution as justification. However, the PDP’s national leadership has strongly disassociated itself from the congress, calling it an illegitimate gathering and dismissing it as a “social event.”
In response, the PDP issued a statement emphasizing that the South-South Zonal Congress had not been conducted, reiterating that the NWC had the authority to act on behalf of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in emergencies. The party cited sections of its 2017 amended constitution to affirm that the Calabar congress had no official standing and accused Orbih’s faction of undermining the party’s leadership.
The South-South PDP has been plagued by leadership disputes, with rival factions competing for control. The Cross River State chapter also distanced itself from Orbih’s congress, reiterating that all official zonal activities must be held at the party’s recognized headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The ongoing crisis in the South-South PDP is part of a larger battle for influence within the party as the 2027 general elections approach. Despite efforts to de-escalate tensions by postponing the South-South congress, Orbih’s defiant actions have only deepened the divide, casting doubt on the party’s prospects in the region.
The PDP has promised to announce a new date for the official zonal congress and has called for unity in the face of the ongoing internal strife. The next steps from both Orbih’s faction and the NWC will be crucial in shaping the future of the PDP in the South-South zone.
