Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman, South-South, of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said party leaders and key players of “killing” PDP by selectively applying its constitution.
Gatekeepers News reports that Orbih made the statement in an exclusive interview with Sunday Sun in Abuja.
According to him; the party’s internal crisis stems from allowing deviations in procedures that govern membership and appointments.
The former PDP chairman in Edo State and current Chairman of Governing Council of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, stressed that adherence to the party’s constitution is essential for PDP to remain a robust and vibrant opposition force.
He said, “The constitution of the party is the Bible, just like the Bible is to Christians and the Koran to Moslems. For every member of the party, the constitution will replace that role. We must abide by the provision of the constitution, “ emphasising that ignoring its provisions has led to serious internal dysfunction.
Orbih recounted instances in Edo State where deviation from constitutional norms especially in the recruitment and promotion of candidates, has not only weakened governance but also contributed to the party’s decline.
The party leader criticised practices that allowed certain individuals to secure positions through selective application of the rules.
Orbih dismissed criticisms regarding his relationships within the party, particularly about Minister Nyesom Wike’s service in the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that internal alliances should not trump adherence to the constitution.
Reflecting on past controversies, Orbih recalled how the inclusion and later actions of former Governor Obaseki in PDP affected state politics and tarnished the party’s reputation.
He argued that leaders who once championed questionable processes are now reluctant to admit their errors as the party continues to suffer losses at various levels of government.
Orbih added, “We have lost the governorship, the senate, and our representation in the House of Reps. Our crisis is a direct result of not upholding our constitutional provisions.”
He further called for a renewed commitment to constitutional discipline within PDP, noting that only by doing so can the party rebuild itself as a true opposition.
Orbih added, “If we continue to ignore or selectively apply our constitution, we will have no choice but to watch the PDP crumble from within.”
