Bayelsa PDP Refutes Reports of Leadership Dissolution, Declares Orbih-Led Actions Illegal

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has publicly rejected claims that its State Working Committee has been dissolved and replaced by a Caretaker Committee. The statement was issued on April 22, 2025, by the State Publicity Secretary, Ebiye Agu Ogoli, who described the reports as baseless and misleading.

Ogoli attributed the claims to what he called an illegal and factional Zonal Executive Committee led by Chief Dan Orbih. He stressed that the faction lacked any legal authority to interfere in the affairs of the Bayelsa State PDP or make decisions concerning its leadership structure.

According to the statement, the tenure of the former South-South Zonal Executive Committee of the PDP expired on March 13, 2025. On that same day, the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) appointed a Caretaker Committee headed by Chief Emmanuel Ogidi. The purpose of this interim committee is to manage the affairs of the zone until a proper elective congress is conducted.

Ogoli reaffirmed that the NWC had previously declared the purported zonal congress held in Calabar, Cross River State—which produced Chief Dan Orbih and others—as unconstitutional. He emphasized that this declaration rendered all outcomes of that congress, including appointments, null and void.

He further clarified that even a legitimately constituted zonal executive does not have the constitutional mandate to dissolve a State Working Committee. Therefore, he concluded, any claims about dissolving the Bayelsa PDP state executive by the Orbih-led group are illegitimate and have no standing.

The PDP in Bayelsa also addressed the continued suspension of Mr. George Turnah, a former Zonal Legal Adviser of the party. The statement noted that the case regarding Turnah’s suspension is still pending before the State High Court. As such, Turnah remains suspended until the court reaches a decision.

Ogoli accused Turnah of attempting to seize control of the party through illegitimate means. According to the statement, Turnah had unilaterally taken over the position of Zonal Secretary previously held by Professor Felix Omemu, his longtime associate. Ogoli alleged that Turnah has now gone further by claiming the role of State Chairman of a purported caretaker committee, which he said does not exist within the party’s legitimate structure.

The Bayelsa PDP expressed concern over what it described as Turnah’s self-serving actions, suggesting they were part of a broader scheme to destabilize the party ahead of the 2027 elections. The party warned its members and the public, especially young people, to be vigilant and not to fall for what it termed Turnah’s divisive tactics.

The statement emphasized that the party’s legitimate leadership, under Hon. Solomon Agwana (JP), remains fully functional and in charge of the state chapter’s affairs. The PDP called on its members to disregard any contrary narratives coming from unauthorized sources.

The party also reiterated its unwavering support for Governor Douye Diri, praising his leadership and commitment to the state’s development. Ogoli described Diri as a true patriot, noting that the governor’s “Assured Agenda for Prosperity” is a key roadmap for progress in Bayelsa.

The Bayelsa PDP urged all stakeholders to stand united and remain committed to the collective goals of the party. It also cautioned against being influenced by “outside forces” seeking to cause confusion and instability within the party.

In closing, the party reaffirmed its allegiance to the national leadership of the PDP and expressed confidence in its internal processes. It stressed the importance of unity and adherence to due process as it continues preparations for future elections.