The Edo State Working Committee (SWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday expelled a former deputy governor of the state, Philip Shaibu, for alleged anti-party activities.
The committee also expelled the South-South Vice Chairman, Dan Orbih.
It also upheld the expulsion of a former member of the House of Representatives, Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama, by the Ward 2 of Oredo Local Government.
The decisions were reached at the PDP SWC meeting in Benin.
Present at the meeting were the Chairman of the Edo PDP, Tony Aziegbemi, and seven other members of the SWC, including Tony Anenih Jr., who joined the meeting virtually.
Aziegbemi said that they were expelled following their anti-party activities against the party.
He said they had shown that they were not longer interested in the party and as such, there was no need keeping them.
He said that the party would not be affected by their expulsion in the September 21 governorship election in the state, adding the party was well positioned to win at the poll.
The Edo PDP chairman said, “Dan Orbih was expelled because he has been asking members of the PDP to join the opposition party. He also took an appointment as the governing council member of a third-tier institution without recourse to the party before accepting the appointment.
“Shaibu donated about 15 vehicles to the APC and has also been abusing and disrespectful to the leaders of the party in the state. Someone who does these things cannot be termed a true party man.
“Also, Ogbeide-Ihama donated his building on Sakponba Road to the APC for campaign purposes. The building currently bears the billboard of the APC candidate and his running mate.
“The PDP is working with other stakeholders to ensure that the party wins the election in September.”
The SWC’s decision came days after Shaibu openly declared he would be working for the APC to win the September 21 governorship election.
He however called for concerted effort and focus among party members to win the governorship election in September.