By NEFISHETU YAKUBU

Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Caretaker Committee in Edo, says Chief Dan Orbih has no authority to either rent, donate, or assign properties to the party.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Orbih, who is the PDP National Vice Chairman (South-South), had on Wednesday announced the donation of a secretariat to the party in Edo.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Thursday in Benin, Aziegbemi asserted that Orbih was no longer a registered member of the PDP and therefore could not make such contributions on behalf of the party.

“We are compelled to respond due to the numerous calls and inquiries from concerned party members, the media, and the good people of Edo,” he said.

“Let it be made abundantly clear that Chief Dan Orbih is no longer a registered member of the PDP.”

According to Aziegbemi, Orbih lacks the authority and legal standing to rent, donate, or assign any property whatsoever to the Edo PDP.

He further described the purported secretariat as “a mere façade,” claiming it belonged to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the party Orbih now allegedly supports.

According to Aziegbemi, Orbih’s tenure as South-South Zonal Chairman of the PDP officially ended on March 9, saying, “he currently holds no official position within the party.”

He explained that the zone’s administrative affairs were now overseen by a duly constituted Caretaker Committee led by Chief Emma Ogidi.

“This latest drama is clearly an attempt to distract, disrupt, and destabilize the solid structures of the Edo PDP,” Aziegbemi stated.

He urged the people of Edo to disregard such distractions and focus instead on the progress being made under the leadership of the recognized and legitimate PDP leadership.

Aziegbemi concluded by reaffirming that the Edo PDP caretaker committee remained united, focused, and firmly in control of all party affairs and structures across the state. (NAN)