PDP expels Shaibu, National Vice Chairman over anti-party activities

…As Orbih protests suspension

More controversies have continued to trail former deputy governor, Mr Philip Shaibu since his impeachment with the latest being his expulsion from the party.

Shaibu had earlier disclosed openly his support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial candidate Senator Monday Okpebholo for the September 21 governorship election.

The leadership of the Edo chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday announced the expulsion of the former deputy governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, from the party.

Shaibu said Okpebholo had the characteristics of the ‘homeboy’ needed to take over governance in Edo State.

Shaibu’s expulsion alongside the National Vice Chairman (South-South) of the party, Chief Dan Orbih was announced by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Mr Ogie Vasco.

Vasco said also expelled for the same reason was Mr Omorgie Ihama, a former House of Representatives member, who represented Oredo Federal Constituency.

Vasco said the decision was taken on Wednesday at a meeting attended by nine members of the State Working committee at the party secretariat.

“The SWC has extensively deliberated on the issue and resolved to expel, with immediate effect, Chief Dan Orbih, National Vice Chairman South South.

“It also decided to expel Phillip Shaibu and upheld the expulsion of Ogbeide-Ihama from Ward 2, Oredo Local Government Area,” he said.

Meanwhile Orbih has protested his expulsion.

Speaking to journalists, he said the body had no powers to suspend a member of the National Working Committee or expel anybody without following the provision of the party’s constitution.

“When a group of persons sits down to make pronouncement that are unconstitutional it only showed that they are ignorant of the constitution of the party.”

“That is all I have to say about that and nothing more,” Orbih said.