Benin City, October 4, 2025
The Edo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed that its state congress will hold as scheduled on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Benin City, despite claims to the contrary by some former party officials.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Publicity Secretary of the PDP Caretaker Committee, Bob-Manuel Umoru, the party described as misleading a statement jointly signed by the former State Chairman, Dr. Tony Aziegbemi, and Mr. Duke Tenebe, advising members to disregard the congress.
Umoru stated that the Edo PDP remains united and committed to upholding the constitution of the party, dismissing the claims by Aziegbemi and Tenebe as baseless and self-serving.
According to him, both men acted out of “frustration and greed” after losing relevance within the party and access to what he described as the “illicit financial pipeline” of their benefactor, former Governor Godwin Obaseki.
He said: “While we understand their pain and desperation, we make bold to state that the Edo PDP is not responsible for how they feel. Their antics are mere symptoms of a failed attempt to perpetuate personal interests above party principles.”
The statement also accused Dr. Aziegbemi and Mr. Tenebe of political inconsistency, alleging that they had only recently sought the support of Chief Dan Osi Orbih to validate what it termed an “illegal and parallel congress.”
Umoru noted that the leadership and members of the party across the 18 local government areas of the state remain resolute, focused, and united under the constitutionally recognized structure of the PDP.
He therefore urged party faithful, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard what he described as “sponsored falsehood” being circulated by “frustrated elements.”
“The Edo State PDP Congress to elect new members of the State Working Committee (SWC) will hold as scheduled on Sunday, October 5, 2025, in Benin City,” the statement reaffirmed.
Umoru called on all delegates, observers, and stakeholders to participate peacefully in the exercise as part of efforts to strengthen the PDP and restore public confidence in internal democracy.
