Key Takeaways
- A significant faction of the Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly disavowed Dr. Tony Aziegbemi's leadership claims.
- The faction insists Aziegbemi is not the recognized state chairman and lacks authority to speak on behalf of the party.
- The dispute intensified following Aziegbemi's criticism of Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, whom the faction recognizes as Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen.
- The dissenting faction emphasizes adherence to constitutional order, party discipline, and internal democracy.
- The ongoing leadership tussle within the Edo PDP is currently before the courts, underscoring the legal complexities involved.
BENIN CITY — The internal strife plaguing the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has escalated, with a prominent faction unequivocally rejecting the pronouncements of Dr. Tony Aziegbemi regarding the party’s leadership. This faction maintains that Aziegbemi is not the legitimate chairman of the party in the state, further deepening the political quagmire.
The latest development follows Aziegbemi’s vocal criticism of Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, who recently addressed a press conference in his capacity as Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen. Aziegbemi, in a statement widely circulated on social media platforms, challenged Nwachukwu’s standing, alleging his suspension in October 2025 – a date that has raised eyebrows given its future projection, suggesting a possible typographical error in the original claim or a reference to a past event misdated. He also asserted his own nomination as chairman of the forum at a separate meeting and stressed that the party’s leadership dispute remains a subject of ongoing litigation, cautioning against describing Taminu Turaki, SAN, as an expelled member of the PDP.
However, in a swift and decisive counter-statement, the Edo PDP faction, led by its chairman, Nosa Ogieva-Okunbor, and secretary, Chief Hilary Otsu, dismissed Aziegbemi’s position outright. They firmly stated that Aziegbemi possesses no authority to speak on behalf of the party in Edo State, effectively delegitimizing his claims and pronouncements.
The faction’s statement urged all party members, media organizations, and the general public to disregard Aziegbemi’s comments entirely. This directive underscores the deep division within the party and the struggle for narrative control. Crucially, the faction declared its unwavering support for the stance articulated by Hon. Austin Nwachukwu, whom it unequivocally recognized as the authentic Chairman of the Forum of PDP State Chairmen.
According to the statement, the forum’s position, as presented by Nwachukwu, is a testament to a steadfast commitment to constitutional order, rigorous party discipline, robust internal democracy, and the preservation of the PDP’s fundamental integrity. This emphasis on foundational principles highlights the faction’s argument that Aziegbemi’s actions or claims deviate from established party norms and procedures.
The faction reiterated that the PDP, as a major political institution in Nigeria, is strictly governed by its constitution, established operational procedures, and the overarching rule of law. They stressed that strict adherence to due process is not merely a formality but an essential safeguard for the party’s integrity and its democratic credentials. Such internal disputes, if not managed constitutionally, can severely undermine public trust and the party’s electoral prospects.
In light of the ongoing leadership dispute, the faction called upon all party members in Edo State and across the country to maintain calm and remain focused. This plea for composure suggests an awareness of the potential for further destabilization and aims to prevent the internal conflict from spiraling out of control, especially as the party prepares for future electoral contests.
Why This Matters
The persistent leadership crisis within the Edo State PDP not only threatens party unity and cohesion but also casts a shadow over its ability to effectively challenge opposing political forces. Such internal wrangling can erode public confidence, distract from governance issues, and ultimately weaken the party's standing ahead of crucial elections, underscoring the critical need for swift and constitutional resolution.