Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State has suffered a significant setback following the exit of Omon Ezomon, a three-time member and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Ezomon, who represented Owan West Constituency from 1999 to 2007, announced his decision to leave the party ahead of the crucial September 21 governorship election, which Governor Godwin Obaseki has termed a “do or die” affair.

Ezomon attributed his departure to the deepening internal crisis within the PDP. According to him, the unresolved conflicts and infighting have weakened the party’s position, particularly in his area of influence.

His exit is expected to further diminish the party’s control in the Owan West constituency, where the Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, claims leadership.

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In a letter dated September 16, 2024, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Ward 5, Avbiosi, Iuleha, Owan West LGA, Ezomon explained that after “considerable reflection” and consultations, he could no longer tolerate the alienation he faced within the party.

Despite his long-standing service as a foundation member and a two-term representative, he lamented that the party’s leadership had sidelined him from important decision-making processes at the ward, local government, and state levels.

Ezomon expressed deep frustration over what he called the rise of “neophytes” controlling the local party machinery, undermining his political legacy, which included serving as Deputy Speaker during his tenure.

He highlighted the disunity and lack of leadership within the PDP, warning that it could severely impact the party’s chances in the upcoming governorship election.

“For my own peace of mind and mental health, I have made the painful decision to leave,” Ezomon stated, while also acknowledging the opportunities the PDP had provided him and wishing the party well.

His departure has sent shockwaves across Edo’s political landscape. Although his next political move remains uncertain, there are speculations that Ezomon may align with the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

His exit from the PDP underscores the internal struggles that may shape the party’s future in the state.

Edo poll: Set back for PDP as ex-deputy speaker dumps party

PDP govs, NWC move to remove Damagun, Wike’s loyalist, as acting national chairman

Nigerian Governors elected under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the National Working Committee of the party have resolved to sack IIiya Umar Damagum as the acting National Chairman of the party.

Bauchi State Governor, who doubles as the Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, made the revelation on Tuesday night shortly after meeting with the party’s NWC

DAILY POST reports that Damagum is a staunch loyalist of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

He was made the acting Chairman of the party following the removal of Iyorchia Ayu as the national chairman in June 2023.

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Speaking on the leadership crisis rocking the main opposition party, Governor Mohammed, who addressed journalists shortly after the meeting with the party’s NWC, said it is a “constitutional aberration” for Damagum to remain in office.

He said the North Central would be given the opportunity to complete the tenure of the former national chairman, Ayu who hailed from Benue State.

He said, “My brother from the North East is acting as the National Chairman and it is a constitutional aberration because according to our Constitution, any vacancy that exists of leadership position should return where it is created

“We know the North Central has been craving for it and we have discussed the issue and would work with that as the chairman, the National Working Committee and the Party to ensure that the North Central is given the opportunity to assume that responsibility.

“The North East also benefited from such constitutional arrangements after the resignation of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. Former Governor Ahmadu Muazu became the National Chairman of the PDP. It is not something that is in contention by the grace of God.”

PDP govs, NWC move to remove Damagun, Wike’s loyalist, as acting national chairman

We have enough water to quench Wike’s fire, says Bauchi gov

Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, says the state government has enough water to quench the fire that Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, threatened to put in the states of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors supporting Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State.

Fubara and Wike have been at daggerdrawn for months over the control of Rivers PDP.

Speaking at a PDP congress in Rivers recently, the FCT minister warned governors in the party against interfering in the affairs of the opposition party in Rivers state.

Wike then said he would “put fire” in the states of the governors siding with Fubara.

Bauchi governor who on Tuesday hosted some members of PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) said nobody could set Bauchi on fire.

“We are together; nobody can put fire in Bauchi,” the governor said.

“We have volumes of water that will quench the fire – even my friend (Wike) that said so, it is because he is annoyed. But it is not personal.

“My friend is my friend, and my job is my job, leadership is leadership.

“This unsolicited visit by the NWC shows that in Nigeria, we have hope, and we are connected by the value and the stability of PDP for peace and stability in our party and in our country.

“Yes, none of the parties is isolated in terms of crisis here and there. Crises are there, that is why leadership is also there. That is why we have to take the bull by the horns to discuss and look at the constitution of our party PDP.

“All the parties must do things by the rule of law. We must respect people, we must put our interest aside, we must respect our diversity. We must meet and close ranks especially when the issue has to do with our party, the PDP.

“Our party has pedigree and most of the development in this country was done by the PDP.

“When PDP left, nothing was done.”

National Legal Adviser of the party, Kamaldeen Adeyemi, said they visited the Bauchi governor to identify with him.