Edo PDP Group Suspends Dokpesi, Ikimi, Braimoh, Oghiadohme, Others

A group in the Peoples Democratic Party, Edo State under the aegis of the PDP Integrity Group on Monday announced the suspension of a former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Tom Ikimi; a former Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadomhe; and former Minister of Works, Mike Oghiadomhe, from the party for alleged anti-party activities.

Also suspended are Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Senator Yisa Braimoh, Senator Victor Oyofo and a former leader of the House of Representatives, Tunde Akogun.

The group, in a communique jointly signed by former Chairman, Nigeria Football Association, Jarret Tenebe; and a former chairman, Owan West Local Government Area, Dan Asekhema, after a stakeholders’ meeting held in Benin, passed a vote of confidence in the Chief Dan Orbih-led PDP in the state.

The meeting was attended by the PDP leaders across the 18 local government areas of the state.

It stated that the state executive council and the ones in the 18 LGAs would be given six months extension to enable them to conduct the governorship primaries.

“We, the Edo PDP Integrity Group, also announce the adoption of a former governor of the state, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, as the leader of our party in Edo State,” the communiqué read.

But the state Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Chris Nehikhare, said he was not aware of “any group that goes by the name PDP Integrity Group,” saying whatever statement that had been released or issued by the group should be disregarded.

He said, “We frown on their audacity to suspend or even say they are suspending respected leaders of our party especially as they lack such powers.

“They are not members of any organ of our party and as such cannot issue statements or releases on behalf of the PDP.”