In a decisive move, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has expelled Ogbiede Ihama Omoregie, the former member representing Oredo federal constituency in the House of Representatives, for engaging in anti-party activities.
The expulsion was sanctioned by Ward 2 of Oredo Local Government Area, following a unanimous decision reached at an enlarged meeting held on Airport Road in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Announcing the resolution, Lawrence Aguebor, Chairman of PDP Ward 2, Oredo, disclosed that Ihama’s expulsion came after his initial suspension by the ward executives and critical stakeholders. The suspension, initially set for 30 days, was extended following Ihama’s repeated failure to appear before a disciplinary committee set up to investigate the allegations against him.
Aguebor outlined, “Despite multiple invitations through letters and phone calls, Ogbiede Ihama Omoregie did not honor the committee’s summonses. Consequently, after deliberating on the committee’s findings and recommendations, which indicted Ihama on multiple counts under Section 58 (1) of our party’s constitution, we have resolved to expel him from the PDP.”
He further clarified that the decision was put to a voice vote during the meeting, with all members present supporting Ihama’s expulsion and issuing a directive for the public to desist from engaging in any political activities with him under the PDP banner.
**Support for Expulsion**
Reacting to the expulsion, Victor Enoghama, Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Political Matters (Oredo), described the action as long overdue. Enoghama alleged that Ihama had contributed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by donating his property for use as a campaign office ahead of the 2024 governorship election in Edo State.
Enoghama emphasized, “It is clear that Ihama’s suspension was long overdue. His support for the APC, including the donation of his building at Ring Road by Sakponba Road Junction for their campaign office, necessitated this action. We cannot tolerate such anti-party activities within the PDP.”
He also called for similar actions against other party members engaged in activities that undermine the PDP’s interests, specifically targeting Comrade Philip Shaibu, the former deputy governor, for supporting APC’s gubernatorial campaign activities.
Enoghama asserted, “We urge Shaibu’s ward to follow suit and expel him from the PDP. His open support and donation of campaign resources to the APC for the September 21, 2024 governorship election conflict directly with our party’s objectives. He cannot remain in PDP while promoting the interests of our political rivals.”
