The crisis in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has deepened with the emergence of a new group called the Legacy Coalition. The group is led by Dan Orbih, the National Vice Chairman (South-south) of the PDP. The Legacy Coalition comprises members of the PDP before Governor Godwin Obaseki joined the party on June 19, 2020, some founding members who had earlier left, and politicians who came into the PDP with Obaseki from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The members of the coalition include Charles Idahosa, a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of PDP, two ex-members of the House of Representatives from Edo: Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama and Sergius Ogun, former Edo Women Leader of the APC, Dr. Esosa Amadasun, an ex-Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Frank Okiye, a former Commissioner, Orobosa Omo-Ojo, a senatorial candidate of PDP in Edo North, Pascal Ugbmohe, and many ex-chairmen of local government councils.
At a meeting held at his residence, Dan Orbih warned Governor Godwin Obaseki against imposing a successor, stressing that the governor would not have his way ahead of the September 21, 2024 governorship election. Orbih said that the new group, Legacy Coalition, is poised to elect someone who is part of them and understands the challenges that the state and people are facing as the next governor of Edo State.
Idahosa expressed dissatisfaction with the face-off between Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, while condemning the decision of some PDP leaders in Edo, who opted not to condemn Obaseki’s dictatorial tendencies. The Legacy Coalition believes that with proper planning, PDP’s governorship candidate can win the September 21, 2024 election in Edo State despite the fact that Obaseki joining the party caused division.