Jane Otu, South South
DAILY COURIER - The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has reaffirmed the authority of the Dr. Tony Aziegbemi-led 10-member Caretaker Committee in Edo State, warning against the activities of individuals falsely claiming to be executives of the state chapter.
In a press statement released on February 13, 2025, the party’s national leadership clarified that no new executive committee has been elected, and any unauthorized activities by impostors will be met with disciplinary action.
The statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, emphasized that the Caretaker Committee, with Dr. Tony Aziegbemi as Chairman and Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe as Secretary, was duly appointed by the National Working Committee (NWC) in accordance with Section 29 (2)(b) of the PDP Constitution. The committee was established following the expiration of the previous state executive and is tasked with managing the party’s affairs in Edo State until a new executive is elected.
The PDP expressed concern over the activities of certain individuals who have been parading themselves as executives of the Edo State Chapter. These individuals have allegedly been issuing unauthorized directives, attempting to convene meetings, and engaging in actions that threaten the stability of the party in the state. The party described such behavior as “inimical to the stability of our Party in Edo State” and warned that those involved would be treated as impostors.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Edo State Chapter is presently being run by a 10-member Caretaker Committee,” the statement read. “Any other persons illegally parading themselves as the PDP Executive in Edo State will be treated as impostors, as the Party has not elected a new Exco for the Edo State Chapter.”
The PDP listed the members of the Caretaker Committee in a single paragraph to dispel any confusion: Dr. Tony Aziegbemi (Chairman), Hon. Harrison Omagbon, Hon. Fidel Igenegbale, Hon. Chris Nehikhare, Tony Anenih Jnr., Arch. Bishop Anthony Okosun, Hon. Segun Saiki, Adezat Kuburat Ibrahim, Augustine Edosomwan, and Hon. Henry Duke Tenebe (Secretary).
The PDP urged its leaders, stakeholders, members, and supporters in Edo State to remain united and vigilant, working closely with the Caretaker Committee to ensure the party’s stability and progress. The statement also cautioned that the party would not hesitate to take decisive disciplinary action against anyone acting in defiance of the PDP Constitution, as amended in 2017.
“The Party will not hesitate to take decisive disciplinary action against any person acting in defiance of the clear provisions of the Constitution of the PDP,” the statement warned.
The PDP’s reaffirmation of the Dr. Tony Aziegbemi-led Caretaker Committee’s authority underscores the party’s commitment to maintaining order and discipline within its ranks. As the party prepares for future elections and internal processes, the leadership has called for cooperation and adherence to constitutional provisions to safeguard the party’s integrity and effectiveness in Edo State.
The statement concluded with a call to action: “The PDP urges all leaders, critical stakeholders, teeming members, and supporters of the PDP in Edo State to remain united, alert, and continue to work with the Caretaker Committee in the overall interest of the Party and the people.”
