The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has taken a decisive step to revive its troubled state chapters in Bayelsa and Edo by appointing new caretaker committees. This follows the dissolution of existing leadership structures due to alleged gross misconduct and poor crisis management.
During a strategic meeting led by National Vice-Chairman Dan Orbih, the South-South Zonal Working Committee (ZWC) approved the restructuring plan. The decision was announced in a statement released Tuesday in Abuja by Zonal Publicity Secretary Etim Isong.
According to Isong, the ZWC made this move after thoroughly reviewing the actions of the previous executives. He emphasized that the misconduct observed violated several provisions of the PDP Constitution and contributed to persistent internal conflicts.
“In Edo, we could not ignore the party’s poor performance in the last governorship elections,” Isong explained. “We reached this decision in the overall interest of the PDP and its future in both states.”
Specifically, the committee cited Articles 10, 26, 27, 58, and 59 of the PDP Constitution (amended in 2017) as the legal basis for the dissolution.
Caretaker Committees Appointed
To stabilize operations, the ZWC appointed 13-member caretaker committees in both states. In Bayelsa, George Turnah, the South-South Zonal Secretary, will serve as Chairman. Tony Gabriel will support him as Deputy Chairman, while Ebilade Ekerefe takes on the role of Secretary.
Other members of the Bayelsa team include:
Didi Werilaghebofa – Vice Chairman (Central)
Andy Majors – Vice Chairman (East)
Evelyn Odi – Vice Chairman (West)
Biobelemoye Igoniwari – Treasurer
Awudumapu Agorodi – Legal Adviser
Erepagamo Eke-Spiff – Financial Secretary
A man Oyeintariperedei – Auditor
Derri Wright – Publicity Secretary
Christian Akuraku – Organising Secretary
Ato Alfreda – Woman Leader
Nicholas Eferebo – Youth Leader
In a similar effort, the party appointed Nosa Ogieva to lead the Edo caretaker committee. Sunny Okomayin will act as Deputy Chairman, while Hillary Otsu will function as Secretary.
The Edo lineup also includes:
Nosa Iseleomon – Vice Chairman (South)
Ehisota Oriakhi – Vice Chairman (Central)
Richard Ehimigbai – Vice Chairman (North)
Tes Sorae – Woman Leader
Benjamin Ehinlebodiaye – Treasurer
Emma Akhaba – Auditor
Daniel Okojie – Organising Secretary
Bob-Manuel Umoru – Publicity Secretary
William Umoru – Legal Adviser
Moses Izobo – Financial Secretary
Destiny Oreye – Youth Leader
Addressing the new leadership, Dan Orbih urged the committees to focus on unity, discipline, and internal reconciliation. According to him, these principles are critical for repositioning the PDP and restoring its influence in both states.
“We expect the new teams to build bridges, resolve disputes, and lay the foundation for stronger leadership,” Orbih stated.
By installing fresh leadership, the PDP aims to regain its footing and prepare more effectively for upcoming political challenges.
