By Osahon Osahon
The crisis in the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday deepened as the party announced the suspension of its two-time governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from the party.
The party, however, said the suspension was temporary.
It was learnt that the development was not unconnected with the rumoured defection of the politician who is being alleged to have concluded plans to dump the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
NIGER DELTA TODAY also further gathered that he has also perfected plans with the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole to clinch the party’s ticket for the next governorship election against the current state governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki.
The party in a statement by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Chris Nehikhare, said that the temporary suspension was informed by his unwillingness to confirm or refute his rumoured defection to the ruling APC.
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Nehikhare, in the statement posited that, the suspension will persist pending when the Redeemed Christian Church God pastor “acknowledges, accepts and addresses the issue of his decamping to APC.”
The statement added: “In the last few days, the Edo PDP has been inundated with calls and enquiries regarding the stories trending both in print and social media as it concerns one of our leaders, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.
“The party leadership has patiently waited to hear or read his reaction to confirm or deny the stories, but to no avail.
“We boast of being a party of men and women of integrity and high moral standing. It is a brand we have earned and wish to maintain.
“As a result of the ‘uneasy quiet’ from our dear Pastor and the impression our silence will send to our teeming supporters and followers, Edo PDP is left with no option but to announce the EXCLUSION of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu from all PDP related activities with immediate effect, until he acknowledges, accepts and addresses the issue of his decamping to APC.
“This decision has been taken without prejudice.”
